Hi there,

Welcome to Homeschooling in Rest!

If you’re new here, welcome! I mostly focus on homeschooling for ages 5-10 but do share information on higher grades and high school from time to time. A lot has happened lately, so I’ll try to cover some urgent matters and also share some new resources that might be helpful for homeschooling families. If you are brand new to homeschooling, have a look at this video series about HOMESCHOOLING FOR BEGINNERS.

BELA Act & Registration

I've seen SO MUCH misinformation going around on social media about registration, online schooling, home visits, reports, etc. Thankfully, we have the Pestalozzi Trust and other homeschooling associations fighting for our cause. If you haven’t registered with the Trust yet, I really encourage you to, especially since each province seems to be interpreting the BELA Act differently. As a member, you’ll get updates specific to what’s happening in your province.

With the new GNU, homeschooling regulations, and implementation, we’re heading into uncharted waters. It’s more important than ever to stay informed about your rights as home educators.

Let’s answer a few questions for those new to homeschooling:

Who needs to register their child?

According to the BELA Act, parents are required to register their own children with their provincial department of education. Online institutions or service providers can not do it on behalf of parents. If your child attends a learning centre/hub for most of the time, this is not considered homeschooling. If this applies to you, contact the Pestalozzi Trust for guidance on your situation.

May I homeschool my child myself?

I've seen this question come up several times, and it really shows how homeschooling is perceived by the general public. Yes, absolutely! You are allowed to homeschool your own child. You do not need any specific qualifications to register for homeschooling, nor do you need to sign up with a particular curriculum provider or online school. You can educate your child using any resources or curriculum, as long as it is not considered inferior to the CAPS curriculum. Looking for FREE and affordable homeschooling resources & curriculum? Have a look HOMESCHOOLING ON A BUDGET!

Can the government insist on a home visit for registration?

No, home visits are not legal according to the BELA Act and are not a requirement for registration. If you have been contacted for a home visit, reach out to the Pestalozzi Trust—they assist their members in these situations.

Must I submit termly reports?

No, according to the BELA Act, only phase assessments are required, and these must be done by SACE-registered educators or competent assessors . However, the department is currently insisting on reports for registration. The Pestalozzi Trust is in consultation with officials in different provinces to find a common ground regarding the nature of these reports. If you’ve been asked to submit a report but follow a more eclectic approach rather than a school-at-home method (which makes reporting tricky), contact the Trust for advice.

Can I use online schooling for homeschooling?

Homeschooling means that the parent takes responsibility for their child's education and is actively involved in the process. You can use online resources, but if a parent is not engaged—leaving their child to work independently without supervision or input and relying entirely on the curriculum provider—then this is not considered homeschooling. If you’re unsure about your situation, contact the Pestalozzi Trust. They assist members who use online schooling as their primary learning method.

How do I register my child for homeschooling?

There’s a lot to cover on this topic, as certain sections must be answered in a specific way. The Pestalozzi Trust has made a video for the general public regarding registration. Watch it here.

What if I don't want to register my child?

If you're considering not registering, contact the Pestalozzi Trust to understand your rights and the potential consequences of non-registration.

Updated Homeschooling Guide

I have updated my homeschooling guide: "Starting Homeschooling in South Africa." Be sure to check out the updated version HERE.

COMING SOON!

Lastly, here's what to expect in the next newsletter:

• Untimed Online Phase Assessment
• Extra High School resources
• How to help your child manage their time
• Homeschooling Tweens!

Until next time, happy homeschooling in rest!

If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out. Stay informed and keep going—you’ve got this!

Warm regards

Angela

Homeschooling in Rest

Homeschool with Angela