Real experiences, advice and alternative approaches
Sometimes the most useful home education advice comes from hearing how other families actually live it. This collection brings together home education blogs and podcasts from parents, writers and education professionals, sharing personal experiences, practical advice and different perspectives on learning outside school. You'll find discussions about getting started, unschooling, self-directed education, SEND, neurodivergence, parenting and everyday family life, alongside broader conversations about alternative education. Most are aimed at parents, although we've also included some interesting listening for younger people. Some podcasts are still releasing new episodes, while others have useful archives to explore.
Most podcast links here open in Spotify, although some lead to the podcast's own website.
Home education podcasts for parents
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A UK home education podcast from Home Education For All, covering everyday home education, local authorities, exams, SEND, screen time and questions from the home educating community. |
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Conversations with families, educators and experts exploring self-directed education, children's natural curiosity and different approaches to learning outside school. |
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Hosted by home educating father Issy, also known as Stark Raving Dad. Thoughtful discussions about unschooling, children's development, learning, confidence and family life. Free episodes and a paid collection. |
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A UK-focused podcast exploring practical aspects of home education, including deregistration, local authorities, qualifications, social opportunities, SEND and different approaches to learning. |
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Personal reflections and conversations about choosing a life outside school, embracing child-led learning and navigating the everyday experiences of home educating families. |
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Interviews and conversations with home educating parents and guests, exploring different educational approaches, practical challenges and family experiences. |
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Hosted by Esther Jones, an unschooling parent and mindful parenting coach. Conversations about autonomous learning, neurodivergence, parenting, relationships, emotional wellbeing and family life. |
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Pam Laricchia, Anna Brown and Erika Ellis explore unschooling through conversations about children's interests, family relationships, learning, trust and everyday experiences. |
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Ollie Briggs of Arts Education Exchange talks with educators, artists and thinkers about problems in conventional education, the value of creativity and alternative ways of learning. |
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Heidi Steel and her guests explore unschooling, child-led learning, autonomy, family relationships and the practical realities of learning without a conventional curriculum. |
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Hosted by Dr Olivia Kessel, this UK podcast explores neurodivergence, autism, ADHD, EHC plans, emotional regulation, school experiences and supporting children with additional needs. |
Other listening and viewing
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A recorded talk with clinical psychologist and author Dr Naomi Fisher exploring self-directed education and how children can learn outside conventional schooling. Hosted on Facebook. What did you learn at school today? A contribution from Dr Naomi Fisher on the different skills involved in conventional schooling and self-directed learning. |
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A free history podcast for ages 9–13 that investigates popular historical myths using evidence and original sources. Short episodes, entertaining discussions and free printable activities. |
Home education blogs and personal perspectives
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A thought-provoking article by a former teacher and home educating parent, examining how much of a typical school day is spent on formal learning and why home education doesn't need to follow school hours. |
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Articles, reflections and podcast episodes about unschooling, child-led learning, parenting and life outside the conventional education system, written by home educating father Issy. |
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Articles by clinical psychologist and author Dr Naomi Fisher exploring self-directed education, neurodivergence, school distress, children's autonomy and alternative approaches to learning. |
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Illustrated posts and reflections by an autistic and ADHD speech pathologist, exploring neurodivergence, communication, sensory needs and understanding children's behaviour. Hosted on Facebook. |
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Eliza Fricker's illustrated writing about autism, PDA, school distress, parenting and neurodivergent children's experiences, offering personal insight and advocacy for more understanding approaches. |
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Personal reflections, practical advice and encouragement from experienced home educating parent and author Ross Mountney, covering family life, learning, parenting and life beyond home education. Home education works: Our family's story from school to success Ross Mountney reflects on her family's experience and her children's lives beyond home education. |
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Articles exploring natural parenting, outdoor learning, family wellbeing, alternative education and sustainable living, with ideas for connecting children with nature and everyday experiences. |
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Thoughtful writing about parenting, education, children's autonomy, creativity and raising young people with the confidence to think independently and shape their own futures. |
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A UK family's experiences of home education, worldschooling and adventurous learning, with travel stories, practical activities, family adventures and reflections on learning outside the classroom. |
Looking for more information or support? Explore our Helpful Websites directory for home education advice and guidance, or browse our UK home education Facebook groups to connect with other families. You'll also find articles, personal experiences and practical advice throughout The Home Ed Daily.
