Thousands of families across the UK are turning their backs on ‘normal’ schools with 126,000 children now being electively home educated in England – up from 111,700 just a year earlier.
For Lisa Bradford, Lead Instructor and Managing Director of Willow Bushcraft CIC, there is an important distinction that can easily be overlooked: “We shouldn't confuse a child struggling in a particular environment with a child who is struggling to learn,” she says. “Sometimes the ability is there, but the environment isn't allowing them to show it.”
Some children, particularly those with additional needs, the noise, movement, social pressures and sensory stimulation of a busy school can make learning incredibly difficult. A child who appears disruptive, disengaged or unwilling to learn may simply be overwhelmed by the environment around them.
