AD | Back to Homeschooling With Very: Another Chapter

Every September, while most families are digging out school shoes and getting ready for the school run, our version of “back to school” looks a little different. There’s no rush out the door, no uniforms laid out on the radiator, and no last-minute scramble for packed lunches. Instead, our mornings start slower, our learning spaces are a little less formal, and our “back to school” season is really “back to homeschooling.”

And yet, even without the school gates, there’s still that same sense of a fresh start. New books, planners galore and of course, some new clothes always make this time of year feel like a reset for us.

11 Years In and Still Learning

This September marks our 11th year of homeschooling. It feels surreal writing that down, more than a decade of lesson plans and cups of tea that went cold while I explained fractions! Over those years, one thing I’ve learned is that homeschooling isn’t about recreating school at home. It’s about building an environment that works for your children and your family.
Homeschooling my boys was the best decision I have ever made. I’ve noticed how much more confident and happy they’ve become. Having the space to learn, with no bad influences and in a way that suits them both, has really allowed their personalities and strengths to shine.
My youngest was non verbal for years, but now you can’t get a word in edgewise!

This year feels especially significant because my eldest is now 15 and studying for his GCSEs alongside a few other courses. It’s such a milestone for both of us. More structure, more focus, but still that freedom to explore subjects in a way that makes sense to him.

At the same time, my youngest, who is autistic, thrives on the comfort of routine and predictability. For him, “back to homeschooling” is all about knowing what each day will look like, and having that gentle consistency makes everything feel calmer. He thrives on practising life skills and has come along so far, even with his many challenges.

Two very different learners, one shared table, and me, still figuring it out, even after 11 years.

The Morning Flow (Minus the Rush)

We might not have the traditional “school run,” but mornings still set the tone. I’ve learned that starting in pyjamas usually ends in disaster (for focus, if not for comfort!). Getting dressed and beginning our routine helps signal that it’s time to begin the day.

For my youngest, comfort is king: soft fabrics, nothing too fiddly, nothing scratchy. For my teen, it’s all about self-expression. They’re at that stage where a hoodie, well-fitted combats, or a pair of Kickers school shoes with some combats can totally shift their mood and confidence. Clothes may not be school uniforms for us, but they’re definitely part of our toolkit for starting the day on the right foot.

That’s where having a few durable, easy-care staples like the kind we found at Very really helps. Not because we have to wear them, but because they work hard behind the scenes: no fuss, no battles, and everyone’s comfortable enough to get on with the day.

Our Back-to-Homeschool Essentials

Every family has their own checklist for back-to-school season. Ours looks a little like this:

• Fresh stationery – Because who doesn’t love a new pen that actually works?
• Planners – One for me and one for my teen’s exam prep.
• Printouts and schedules all prepped/laminated, ready for a new term
• Lots of educational trips – Learning is more fun when not stuck at a desk for hours on end.
• Clothes that feel good – Whether that’s my teen’s “study hoodie” or my youngest’s favourite soft joggers.
• Books and online subscriptions at the ready – We have a lot of resources that we use.
• Snacks. Always snacks – Everyone needs a bit of brain fuel!

It’s not a long list, but it’s ours. It keeps us ticking along, keeps things simple and helps make that “new term” feeling something to look forward to.

That First-Day Feeling

There’s something about September that always feels full of possibility, no matter how you learn. I still like to mark the first day back with a little tradition sometimes a photo, sometimes a hot chocolate, sometimes a new outfit. It’s our way of saying, here we go again, a whole new year of learning ahead.

And while our journey doesn’t include school gates or uniforms, it’s no less special. For us, homeschooling is about creating an environment where both my children can feel comfortable, confident and ready to learn, whether that’s revising for GCSEs, diving into a sensory-friendly activity or a walk in the woods.

So here’s to another year. To fresh notebooks, new museums to visit, new challenges and the beautiful chaos of learning together at home.