A third of UK parents are considering home-schooling their children even after schools reopen, new research has revealed, with young parents the most likely to continue.
The study, conducted by home education provider, Oxford Home Schooling, found that 30% of the nation’s parents are thinking of home-schooling permanently. This figure rises to 36% among parents aged between 25 and 34, which is more than any other age group.
This is partly because, despite the challenges, many families are enjoying the home-schooling experience. More than two in five (43%) parents say that they like teaching their children.
Dads are enjoying home-schooling more than mums, with almost half (48%) of male parents reflecting on the experience positively, compared to 38% of women.
The survey also suggests, around the country, Londoners are savouring the experience the most, with 55% of parents in the capital saying they are enjoying home-schooling. Belfast is a close second, at 54%. In contrast, just 15% of parents in Edinburgh say they like teaching their children - the lowest rate of any city in the UK.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Renia Ganguly’s mother Mohua thinks otherwise. “We are all going through a tough phase, trying hard to strike that work-life balance and home-schooling has just added to the agony for many parents across the globe. Even though the children manifested adaptability, there was no other time in our lifetime than this, where we experienced Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory ‘survival of the fittest’ most.”
Renia's dad Raja and mum both are IT consultants and have experienced the impact of long hours in front of the computer. But in this situation, King Edwards VI High School for Girls in Birmingham has provided that extended support to the students' wellbeing during lockdown which gave parents like Mohua that extra peace of mind.
“Renia's screen time has increased tremendously over the past year and her physical activities decreased. After her mental health, this is our second biggest worry as parents.
“The school organised various wellbeing seminars and obtained parental feedback through surveys and open evenings. The school supported the children to strive, through continuous process improvement and adaptability. It was in one of these surveys, where I emphasised the importance of physical activities during lockdown and like marking their work, there should be a yardstick for measuring the physical activities as well.
“I am sure that I am not the only anxious parent who requested inclusion of more physical activities in a day. The survey took place around the end of January and in early February we got an email from school stating that a PE care package was on its way. To our surprise, the delivery of the kit followed soon. The box contains gifts like a tennis ball, a skipping rope, a stress ball, card for origami and wool to use for finger crocheting. All boxes contain instructions or support guidance for use. The school intends to set girls some challenges and running competitions (with prizes), hoping to engage them in some fun activities. Renia is very excited about the kit and can't wait to use them.”
Renia, who is in Year 7 has shown amazing adaptability and resilience even under the strenuous situation both in her academics and extracurricular activities. She thinks music and meditation are the only things that keeps her going.
