Homeschooling: Merthyr girl says it helps her mental health

Millie-Rae has been home educated by her mum since September after leaving school due to her anxiety

A girl who was taken out of school due to her anxiety said being homeschooled helps her "live and be happy".

Millie-Rae, 11, has been home-educated by her mum Seana-lee in Merthyr Tydfil, since September.

She is one of 5,330 children in Wales not being taught in school - the highest number on record.

The Welsh government said it recognised the right of parents to teach their own children, but, in most cases, children were best served by attending school.

Seana-lee originally took Millie-Rae out of school during the pandemic as she felt he daughter was not being provided with enough work.

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But within a few months of returning, she fell behind as she was struggling with the school environment, her mother said.

When Millie-Rae began secondary school in September, she lasted just five days before refusing to go.

Millie-Rae has a sister Lottie, six, (right) and brother Dominic, one (second left)

Seana-lee said: "Her confidence was slipping and she was starting not to go out with friends. She was getting tearful and stressed about not wanting to go back in.

"Her whole behaviour is totally different when she's in school."

Millie-Rae has recently been referred by a GP for ADHD investigations and struggled concentrating in a large, loud classroom.

Seana-lee said: "She lives in a daydream, which can be frustrating sometimes. She's very ditsy but also very clever. School didn't suit her as she needs that one-to-one attention.

"Home is a safe environment for her - she can fidget all she likes and as long as she's learning then I'm happy."

Millie-Rae did not enjoy mainstream education and says she feels more relaxed being homeschooled

Seana-lee said she was nervous to homeschool Millie-Rae because her family were against it.

"You have to have thick skin to do this, it's not been easy," she said.

"Homeschooling has definitely brought her out of her shell and has given her the confidence I think she needed."

Millie-Rae said although she misses seeing her friends regularly, she goes to a weekly drama group to keep up her social life.

"Homeschooling is helping me to live and be happy. Finally, my mental health and my anxiety feels calmer," she said.

Latest figures show that, from September 2022 to August 2023, 5,330 children were registered as being homeschooled in Wales, compared to 2,626 five years ago.

There were fewer than 900 children identified as having their education at home a decade ago.

Of the 22 councils in Wales, 17 have seen an increase with Carmarthenshire the highest - up from 457 two years before to 739.

Figures may be inflated due to greater attempts from councils to find and record families who have opted against school.

Victoria Williams, director of Smart Education Wales, a tuition centre based in Bridgend and Newport, said Covid was one of the main reasons behind the rise.

"Many are now suffering with mental health issues and social anxiety. They are struggling to fit back into society," she said.

"Children are also behind educationally and I think a lot of parents enjoyed the lockdowns and realised that they had the ability to educate their children themselves."

A Welsh government spokesman said about 1% of children in Wales were educated this way.

"The home educator's handbook provides advice to parents and carers who are home educating, or considering doing so," they added.

"We have also worked with every local authority to make sure that the most appropriate provision can be identified and put in place for each child."

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