I think the other point that's being missed is that schooling is not only about academic qualifications but is also (and perhaps more) about social education.

That is socialising, communicating and the likes.

If children are home-schooled then they will miss out on this interaction and may well grow up to be quite introverted and anti-social.

Given that they will also not be learning Spanish, then they will be unable to 'integrate' outside of school hours as well.


... just some thoughts!

[QUOTE=manamama;8640861]I am personally in favour of home-educating....in the UK though, not Spain.

It is not an accepted in Spain and would come across as odd and inadequate.

Of course, it's not any of those things.

Most people who educate at home do consider the social inpact. Usually group of home educators and the children meet up for outings and fun activities. Education does not have to be in a classroom by a teacher - kids learn and often do better in exams than the average student at school.[/QUOTE]


We all want what we think is best for our kids but its no use them having degrees coming out of their ears if they can mix/socialise , your kids would be known as weirdo`s or worse even later on in the work place assuming they have the confidence to get a job!

I agree 100 %.

FWIW, I agree 100%

Being successful and happy in life isn't just about passing exams, its about being able to work with and get along with many different types of people and being confident in different social situations. School helps for that, especially when living in a foreign country.

A lot of stress around social situations gets passed on to children from parents, and those children who have been told they will have a hard time often do. It's a difficult subject area, but kids who are confident and have good self-esteem usually do very well in life. its the "worriers" who find things difficult.

And for those people who say school is boring for their children as they arent getting taught much, just wait until they have to go to work! Coping with boredom is an important lifeskill too!

Another aspect is - What do the kids want to do?

I just asked my kids "Would you like to be home educated ? "They said NO

They have some lovely friends at school and get lots of invites to parties/sleepovers.

It would also help you to meet spanish people or other Brits and you'll all be socialising.

Even for 6 months they are sure to benefit from the experience.

Hi again. I just want to say thanks again to everyone who has replied to my original thread. I have learnt a lot and take on board all the comments for and against. My children went to Antigua to a local school, not international last winter and loved it. Yes it was difficult, but we never got the social side. That was done around the pool, beach etc. The parents at the school never seemed to mix and most children were on the school bus. Do parents chat at the school gates in Spain? I just thought that there education could be a couple of hours a day and the rest of the time we could socialise and go out as a family. we could learn spanish together as a family?
Just out of interest, how hot is it on the mediteranean side of spain through the winter. The internet is never that accurate. Can you wear shorts or is it still jumpers? Thanks again. Helen

Jumpers, winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves, jeans, waterproof fur lined boots....... It aint warm here in the winter!!!

Jo xxx

I'll second (and third, fourth, fifth etc) jojojo ref winter wufflies.
On school gate chitchat - two observations. One - if you live in town, or a village, your socialising (and that of your kids) will be very much easier. We're all happy in & with our house but OH & I now acutely conscious that buying a house in deep campo wasn't necessarily the best choice for our 8yo's ability to integrate.
Two - bear in mind the make-up of the community you're joining. Just as with schools in the UK, you'll find more, as a basic example, agricultural workers in rural schools and white collar professionals in leafy suburbs. Not remotely relevant to your children but if you're looking to integrate yourself (assuming not specifically in British circles) however nice & well-meaning the people may be, the content & range of conversation might prove different depending where you've settled. If you see what I mean.

I don't think anyone is listening to what the OP said, they want to try for 6 months before committing to living in a place, in other words they don't want a permanent home school situation, rather an initial introduction, whilst meeting people and making friends in other non-school situations.
Also, technically speaking no-one would even necessarily know where the child is! In fact I imagine it would be the UK school authorities that would be interested in their situation, not the Spanish authorities, until they decide to register as residents.

Have just found the website for a Spanish homeschooling org called ALE, here is the legal page for anyone who speaks Spanish. It basically implies that although it is not legal, only rarely will they prosecute, and if they do, the cases are usually filed away and forgotten about, and if they successfully prosecute, the only thing they do is make you send your child to school. So I would say go for it, and don't worry about becoming a criminal in the process!