Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Homeschooling in New South Wales

Introduction

Homeschooling in New South Wales (NSW) has become an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking alternative educational options for their children. The process of homeschooling in NSW involves a few key steps, including submitting an application to the NESA Home Schooling Unit, creating an education plan based on the NSW Curriculum, and undergoing a home visit by an Authorised Person (AP). In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to the process of homeschooling in NSW, as well as address common questions and concerns related to this educational approach.

Applying for Homeschooling in NSW

Applications for homeschooling in NSW are submitted to the NESA Home Schooling Unit, which can be done through their online NSW homeschool portal or by filling in a form and mailing it in. After submitting your application, you will receive an email notification confirming receipt. You will then need to wait for an AP to contact you to arrange a home visit.

While waiting for the home visit, you must create an education plan for your child that is based on the NSW Curriculum. The approval process can take up to 90 days, with registrations submitted at the beginning of the school year generally taking longer due to the high volume of NSW homeschooling applicants.

Home Visit and Approval Process

About a week before your home visit, the AP will contact you to schedule an appointment. During the home visit, the AP will ask you a few questions about homeschooling and the plan you submitted. The home visit appointment usually lasts less than an hour, and the AP will indicate whether your application has been approved or not. Most applications are successful.

Curriculum and Resources

When homeschooling in NSW, you are NOT required to follow a specific curriculum, but your education plan must be based on the NSW Curriculum. You can choose to create your own curriculum or purchase a pre-made one. Additionally, you must have sufficient resources for learning, which can include books, educational websites, events and other materials.

*Learn While Living offers a wide range of resources that would be optimal for a Child-led, Unschool, Traditional Homeschool, Eclectic, Strewing, Experiential, Roadschool, Gameschool, Project-Based, Concept Driven, Radical, Wildschool and Worldschool approaches that are more learner focused and relaxed, yet interest based and aligned.

Renewing Registration and Re-registration

Home visits are required as part of the registration and NSW homeschooling renewal process for renewals of registration, Certificate of Completion of Year 10 applications, and site visits where there has been a change of address for a currently registered homeschooling family.

You can apply for registration renewal using the Online Homeschool Portal or by filling in a registration form and emailing or mailing it to the home schooling unit.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in NSW offers families a flexible and personalized approach to education. By following the steps outlined in this guide and addressing common questions and concerns, you can successfully navigate the homeschooling registration process and provide your child with a high-quality education tailored to their individual needs. Learn While Living offers resources to support for families throughout their homeschooling, worldschooling and learn while living journey.