How do you start homeschooling in South Africa?
What is the procedure for removing my child from school? ~ Carol, Cape Town
Answer to “How do you start homeschooling in South Africa?”
When removing your child from a school to start homeschooling in South Africa, you DO NOT need to ASK for permission or offer any explanations for doing so. Your child does not belong to the school or the department of education, but is your responsibility.
The Constitution, which is the highest law in the land states that in all decisions pertaining to a child, the best interests of a child are of paramount importance.
Simply inform the school of your decision, with as little detail or explanation as possible. A very short letter or an email could accomplish this.
You, as the parents are fully capable of and entitled to choose the course of action and type of schooling that would be in your children’s best interest.
The Pestalozzi Trust, which is the South African homeschool legal defense association, usually advises parents to
- notify the school that you have transferred your child to home schooling and
- request the school to prepare transfer certificates for the child/ren.
Don’t be too concerned if the school seems reluctant to issue the transfer certificates as you probably won’t ever need them; they are of more importance to the school administration than to you.
However, it is a good idea to also request the school to put in writing all advice, suggestions, requests or threats made to you as parents.
In general, give as little information from your side as possible.
Don’t go into lengthy explanations or make any complaints or accusations!
Keep it short and business-like.
If you expect any problems from the school or from the Department of Education, then it might be a advisable to join the Pestalozzi Trust before informing the school, so that you have legal backing should there be a case of conflict with the authorities.
However, if you follow the advice above, this would be unlikely.
You may also want to read about Registering for Homeschooling. If you have concerns, contact the Pestalozzi Trust for legal advice specific to your situation: www.pestalozzi.org
Get expert help to start homeschooling in South Africa
We know that starting homeschooling can seem daunting for parents. There are so many choices of curriculum and so many people giving sometimes conflicting advice and trying to urge you to do what they do.
We’ve been assisting homeschooling families for over 20 years, helping them to pick and mix the best curriculum options for their children at different ages and stages. We don’t just promote our own Footprints programmes (they only fill a small niche in your homeschooling journey). Instead we offer you insight about many options for maths, science, English and more, based on years of our own research for our own families and years of being part of the home educating community in South Africa.
If you have questions or you want guidance and tips to help you piece together a homeschooling plan for your family, book a homeschool consultation with Wendy Young. We believe its worth investing some time and money so that you home education pathway will go smoothly.
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