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Moray home-educating families reach out after pandemic isolation


By Lorna Thompson

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A GROUP of home-educating Moray families are opening their arms wide to new members following months of pandemic isolation.

Around 20 local families gathered regularly prior to the pandemic to provide a social network for their children.

The group, which currently has just under 20 children along with their parents, is now in the process of seeking a base for its weekly Thursday gatherings.

As well as informal social meet-ups, they organise art workshops, outdoor gatherings, and museum and castle visits.

Mum-of-three Regina Fyfe moved to Elgin from California four years ago. She and her Scottish husband, a pastor, were keen for their children to be home-educated. They found Moray Council to be supportive but worried about the lack of social opportunities for their children.

They were able to connect with other home-educating families through North of Scotland Home Educators (NOSHEd) on Facebook.

Regina said: "Through one reach-out I was invited to something that was happening at Findhorn – and that opened up my world.

"Until Covid happened there were about 20 families that got together. Sometimes some would meet on Speyside, and some would meet closer to Elgin. There was a huge group of us.

"During Covid a number of them decided to move on for various reasons – either their children had grown up or they decided to go back to school or moved away. It ended up with four families.

"In the last two months we've opened up again and we now have three new families. We're trying to find a clubhouse to meet in Elgin.

"Because of Covid I believe there are probably a lot of people out there who are looking for home-school events and to make connections just as I did.

"We're ready to open our arms a little wider because it's the right time. I know it's lonely out there as a home educator – and home-school kids need connections."

Families in the Moray home education social group. Picture: Becky Saunderson.
Families in the Moray home education social group. Picture: Becky Saunderson.

Her daughter, Elena Fyfe (12), has grown to love home school. She said: "At first it was difficult as I wasn't used to not being with people. But it's been three years now and I love it. I've got into my own little routine and I don't think I'd do well if I went to school now because I'm so used to the freedom.

"There's no pressure to keep up with everyone else."

Another mum, Paula Roberts, from Aberlour, has been home-educating her youngest daughter, Tilly, for four years since the closure of Inveravon Primary School at Ballindalloch.

Paula said: "My biggest fear about home education was socialisation. But Tilly hasn't got any worries with this group – we have all ages. The big ones look after the little ones.

"We have one mum whose little boy does go to school but she enjoys just coming along as a mum. She likes the company.

"We have had other people asking to join us but because of the situation we've been keeping our numbers low."

Tilly (13) is now one of the group's older members. The teenager volunteers at Gordon Castle Gardens in Fochabers each week. She said: "I study a lot about natural history and wildlife and plants.

"We tend to find our own path, our own hobbies, being taught at home."

Home-schooled Suraya at a gathering of Moray home-educating families. Picture: Becky Saunderson.
Home-schooled Suraya at a gathering of Moray home-educating families. Picture: Becky Saunderson.
Tilly and Cathy at a Moray home education group meet-up. Picture: Becky Saunderson.
Tilly and Cathy at a Moray home education group meet-up. Picture: Becky Saunderson.

New group member Kirsten Lee, from Elgin, has two children aged three and eight months.

Kirsten said: "You just assume you'll send your kids to school as that's what everyone does. I'm not really sure what changed my mind. I'd heard there was a good support network in Moray.

"We're still not sure what type of home education we'll do – whether to follow a curriculum or follow the kids. It's nice to have people who have been doing it a while to learn from.

"A big worry for people is the social aspect and I feel reassured about that now."

To find out more about the group contact Paula Roberts on 07443 007822.


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