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Welcome to season six of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, where we're digging into the tricky bits of home education. Not the sunshine-and-nature-walks highlight reel, but the real, unglamorous moments that every home educating family knows too well. After a summer apart, Kelly and Ashley catch up on what's been going on and why September always seems to bring that big "go" energy, the pressure to have new systems, new attitudes and a whole new approach. Ashley shares what it's like to go straight from a holiday in Italy into a new term with no pause, plus the realisation that her eldest is only a few years from needing to think about what comes next. Kelly talks about why transitions can feel like grinding gears for neurodivergent families, and the simple fridge chart and wall calendar that have helped her autistic kids feel settled and accomplished. Together they explore finding the right time of day for learning, the tricky balance between child-led learning and the bigger picture, why living alongside all the mess of home ed can feel so much heavier than a classroom, and Kelly's "which hat am I wearing?" mantra for staying focused. They also talk about helping kids face that big wall of "this feels too hard", from handwriting struggles to fractions, and why teaching our children how to learn and persevere might be the most important thing of all. If you've been feeling the pressure this September, this one is a gentle reminder that none of us are doing it wrong. We're just in the iteration we're in right now. Want to go deeper this season? We're creating When Home Ed Gets Hard, a reflection and journaling companion with questions for every episode of season six, releasing in December. Join the waiting list at https://www.bighomeedpodcast.com/when-home-ed-gets-hard/ to be the first to hear when it's ready and get an early-bird discount. And if you're navigating ADHD or neurodivergence, whether as a family or for yourself, Kelly offers 1:1 coaching. Find out more at kellyrigg.mykajabi.com. Loved this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. It really helps other families find us.

In this final episode of the season, we’re doing something a bit different. (Please note, no explicit details are mentioned, but use caution if you listen with children as we do discuss things they may be exposed to as they start to use the internet more widely.)   We originally planned an episode focused on internet safety and online security… and then real life happened. We were away at our annual home ed camp, the world took over, and we decided to lean into the learning that was already happening right in front of us.   So this becomes a wider conversation about: Why “the plan” doesn’t always happen (and why that’s not a failure) How real-life experiences can teach safety, boundaries, communication, and responsibility in a way no worksheet ever could How to start age-appropriate conversations about online safety without introducing scary details too early  We also share practical ways we’ve been exploring digital literacy at home, including: Noticing how fast-paced videos are designed to keep kids watching (frame changes, zooms, constant stimulation) Comparing YouTube-style content to slower documentaries and noticing what our brains remember Talking about influence: how creators shape what kids think is “normal” (including illegal or unsafe behaviour being presented as entertainment) Helping kids question whether something is real or AI-generated Teaching “data safety”: what not to share online (surname, location, pet names, family details) Why pausing, checking sources, and doing a bit of research matters (especially with fake news and misinformation) A real example of a child being scammed in an online game—and what that taught about trust, risk, and due diligence And we bring it back to the heart of home education: community, character, and the kind of learning that happens when children are given space to live, play, negotiate, help others, and grow.   Sponsor: Strew - a home education logging app created by a home educating mum and her brother. We have loved using Strew this season, loved the feed its created of the amazing adventures we've had with our kids, the learning insights it has offered and the ease of pulling these memories to the surface when we will need to produce reports for the LA in due course. Try it now: https://strew.app/r/bighomeed or use code 'bighomeed'   We’ll be back in September with a new season. Thank you for listening, and if you’ve loved this season, please leave a review—it genuinely helps the podcast reach more home educating families.

In this bonus episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations, Kelly Rigg is joined by Dr. Chris Bagley — educational psychologist, musician, author, and co-founder of States of Mind (with B. Herbert). Together, they unpack why so many young people are “not ok at school” — and what happens when an education system prioritises compliance, metrics, and control over human development, agency, and real connection. Chris shares why States of Mind is “allergic” to tokenistic ideas like “pupil voice” when they’re used as a fake listening exercise — where young people are asked for their opinions, but nothing actually changes. He explains how this can mirror an unhealthy relationship dynamic: being invited to be vulnerable, then ignored. Kelly reflects on her own experience of being a “good student” who learned to tick boxes, impress adults, and stay quiet — and how that conditioning can follow us into adulthood, shaping our self-worth, relationships, and mental health. They explore how many parents in transition to home education are realising the same thing: school was supposed to be “good for them”… so why is their child anxious, distressed, or shutting down? In this conversation we explore: Why “normal” is a social construction (and why there may be no such thing as a “typical” brain) How labels and diagnoses can sometimes become the only route to compassion — and why that’s complicated The difference between genuine participation and performative “student voice” Why young people need space to talk about their lives and the world without being controlled or shut down How fear of uncertainty drives institutions to narrow, label, measure, and punish Why agency, belonging, and autonomy matter (for children and adults) Chris’s powerful reminder: you can’t have harmony without difference Chris also shares what young people consistently ask for when they’re truly listened to: more agency, more authentic connection, and spaces to explore real life, mental health, and meaning — not just performance and compliance. Links Chris Bagley’s book: States of Mind - https://www.statesofmind.org/  Sponsor: Strew is an online home education logging app that helps you capture what you’re doing day-to-day (photos, notes, tags), and optionally uses AI to reflect back the skills and areas of development you’ve covered — which can be especially helpful when you need to pull everything together later. Use code: BigHomeEd when you download it! https://strew.app/r/bighomeed

In this week’s episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio dive into a big question many home educating UK families wrestle with: how do we teach our children about activism, justice, and using their voice — without overwhelming them? We talk honestly about: Why “quiet protest” (like choosing elective home education) is still activism How kids can learn courage, integrity, and a strong moral compass through everyday life Exploring activism through books, documentaries, and values-led conversations (including learning about Greta Thunberg) How to handle tricky conversations with people who don’t “get” home education (and the judgement that can come with it) Practical ideas you can try at home: writing letters to companies, researching issues together, and building confidence through small actions A fun evolution-inspired activity that sparked brilliant conversations about climate, deforestation, and change Whether you’re fully in flow or just finding your feet with Home Education, these home education resources will help you to find your way through this topic. This episode is a reassuring reminder: our children’s opinions matter, and they’re never “too young” to care. Sponsor note: This season is sponsored by Strew (the home education logging app). Strew are running a survey right now and they genuinely want your feedback on what features you want, what you love, and what you’d change. There’s also a chance to win £25 Amazon vouchers. Survey link: https://strew.app/the-2026-strew-survey-prize-draw/ or download the app here: https://strew.app/r/bighomeed   Keyword section: home education uk, home educating uk, elective home education, homeschooling uk, home schooling, home educating, home education resources uk, alternative education, deschooling, unschooling, child-led learning, neurodivergent families, adhd, autism, mindset, values education, kids activism, teaching kids activism, social justice for kids, climate change education for kids, writing letters to companies, raising socially conscious kids, parenting outside the school system

In this chatty catch-up episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio reflect on what home education can look like as summer approaches — when clubs pause, routines shift, and the calendar suddenly feels wide open. Together, they explore the different ways families plan (or don’t plan) through summer, how guilt can creep in around “what we’ve achieved this year,” and why many home educating parents eventually find a calmer rhythm — especially when they start trusting that learning doesn’t stop just because the school year ends. What we cover Why summer can feel either freeing or overwhelming (and why both are valid) How Strew’s tracking insights can reassure you about progress and balance Socialisation pressure and the reality of home educated kids’ social skills “Traditional” learning vs real-world learning (and why the distinction can be unhelpful) Planning styles: structured curriculum planning vs going with the flow Why boredom can be a catalyst for creativity, independence, and resilience Gentle “check-in” moments that help you notice progress without formal testing A reminder that home education is allowed to be sustainable (and imperfect)   If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend — it genuinely helps more home educating families find the podcast. Website:  www.bighomeedpodcast.com  Follow us on socials: @bighomeedpodcast Try Strew (our Season 5 Sponsor) We’ve loved trying Strew as a simple way to log learning and spot patterns over time. If you’re signing up, mention the referral code “bighomeed” so they know you came from us.  https://strew.app/r/bighomeed  SEO keywords: home education UK, home educating, elective home education, homeschooling UK, home schooling UK, unschooling, deschooling, home education, socialisation, alternative education UK.

Welcome back to The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast with Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio.   This week’s topic: Feelings and journaling (real life edition) We recorded in the middle of a heatwave, so we’re talking dysregulation, grumpy kids, and how hard it can be to “do the right thing” when everyone’s overstimulated.   What we actually found helpful:   A feelings wheel (free printable) to help kids find more precise words than just “angry/sad” A simple empathy prompt: “How do you think your sibling feels?” Journaling alternatives for kids who hate writing: drawing feelings, scribble pages, talking, creativity, movement, baking A reminder that feelings aren’t just cognitive — sometimes kids regulate best through safe physical outlets               Schedule note: We’re taking a short one-week break, then we’ll be back with a general catch-up episode (summer plans and a bit of a chat). After that, we’ll return to the topic challenge with protest and social change.   Season 5 Sponsor: Strew (home education logging app) This week we’re sharing a quick behind-the-scenes feature: Study Points settings. In the Study Points area you can choose an education style (child-led learning, Waldorf/Steiner, Charlotte Mason, unschooling/deschooling, or general home ed) which can change how the Study Points categories are shown. It’s totally optional, but a handy way to get an at-a-glance view of what you’ve been logging over time. Use code 'bighomeed' if you try Strew. https://strew.app/r/bighomeed  Thanks for listening — subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend. Find us on Instagram and TikTok, and at  www.bighomeedpodcast.com .

In this episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley continue their weekly home education UK “topic challenge” — choosing a theme and exploring it with their children through real-life learning, conversation, and curiosity-led activities. This week’s topic: Town planning and street furniture — and it turns into a brilliant mix of project-based learning, local community awareness, and practical thinking about how towns work (and who decides what gets built). Whether you’re home educating, (homeschooling for our US friends), this episode is packed with ideas you can adapt for your own family. What we cover in this episode: Town planning basics: how towns evolve, what problems they’re trying to solve, and why infrastructure matters. Street furniture in everyday life: benches, lamp posts, traffic lights, junctions, road layouts — and the “why” behind them! A fun “run the town” council game (decision-making, teamwork, budgeting, environment, and community trust.) Learning through videos and visuals: what’s underneath major cities (including hidden infrastructure) how cities change over time (including a London evolution-style video) how heating, water, and energy systems can work at city scale. Real-life community learning moments: conversations sparked by local elections and meeting a local candidate talking about leadership, values, and why voting matters (and why kids can’t vote yet!) Hands-on play: building a town at home using toys (roads, emergency services, zoo, trains, role play and storytelling) So whether your home education journey is eclectic, unschooling, project led or otherwise - you can draw some great ideas from this episode and as usual - we would love to hear yours too!  Share with us on Instagram or TikTok - @bighomeedpodcast or visit our new website - www.bighomeedpodcast.com This season is sponsored by Strew, a home education logging app created by a UK home educating mum and her brother. To try Strew, head to https://strew.app/r/bighomeed  or Search “Strew Home Ed app” on your apple or android phone and use code: bighomeedpodcast

In this episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly shares a powerful interview with Jenn Hodge, founder of Doing Education Differently. Jenn is a leading voice in neurodiversity and education reform, and has been at the forefront of challenging the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill — which has now become the Act. Together, Kelly and Jenn talk through what’s happening, why it matters, and what families should be paying attention to as the Act begins to come into effect. This conversation is especially relevant for: Home educating families in the UK Families navigating “children not okay at school” Neurodivergent families and those supporting SEND needs Anyone concerned about how policy changes could impact autonomy, rights, and day-to-day home education life What we cover: Who Jenn Hodge is and why her work matters in this space The shift from the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to the Act What the proposed changes mean in real life for families (not just in theory) Why neurodivergent children and families are often disproportionately affected by education policy The importance of staying informed, connected, and empowered (without spiralling into fear) How advocacy works behind the scenes — and why community voices matter What to watch for next as the Act is implemented, and how families can prepare Kelly’s intention with this episode: This isn’t about panic or pressure — it’s about clarity, empowerment, and making sure families have access to grounded information as things change. This season is sponsored by Strew, a home education logging app created by a UK home educating mum and her brother. To try Strew: Search “Strew Home Ed app” (iOS + Android) and use code: BIGHOMEED or click here https://strew.app/r/bighomeed

In this episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley explore this week’s “topic from the hat” challenge: lesser known sports.   They start by going down the rabbit hole of strange and wonderful sports from around the world (and even a few from right here in the UK), and it quickly opens up bigger conversations about creativity, culture, community, and what sport is actually for.   We chat about: The weird and wonderful sports humans have invented (and why some of them are genuinely shocking) Chess boxing (yes, really): alternating rounds of chess and boxing, and what that says about “mental” vs “physical” sport The difference between a sport and a game (and using the dictionary to define it properly) How quickly a sport can grow once people actually see it (media, Olympics, exposure, and suddenly everyone wants to try it) Why “lesser known” doesn’t mean “less valuable” — it might just mean it hasn’t had the PR yet How sport can be about fun, community, identity, tradition, and entertainment (not just winning) Making space for movement in other areas of their education (especially for neurodivergent kids), and why physical activity supports mental health too How this topic can branch into loads of learning: history, geography, PE, science (heart rate/pulse), maths (scoring), literacy (writing rules), and even coding-style logic (if this happens, then what?) Kelly and Ashley also share some of the real-life ways this topic showed up in their week — from hobby horsing and play-based competitions, to watching Paralympic sport and noticing how many different bodies and abilities can be included in athleticism.   If you’re joining in with the weekly topic challenge, we’d love to hear what you did with it — and remember, this is never about pressure or “doing enough”. It’s just a fun way to spark ideas, follow curiosity, and bring a bit of variety into your home ed rhythm.   To try Strew (our Season 5 sponsor) home education logging app - on IOS and Android and use code: bighomeed   Don't forget to subscribe, share an episode with a friend or drop us a rating - every one helps more people like you to find us! Head here: https://strew.app/r/bighomeed

Welcome back to another episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast. Kelly and Ashley are continuing Season 5’s “topic from a hat” home education challenge — where they pick a theme, explore it with their kids for the week (without telling each other what they’re doing), then come back to compare notes, resources, and real-life learning.   This week’s topic: Food Around the World — and it takes them way beyond “trying new recipes”, into geography, history, climate, farming, food miles, hunger relief, and how food choices impact communities and the planet.   Season 5 Sponsor: Strew (and the feature we’re loving this week) This season is sponsored by Strew — a home education logging app developed by a UK home educating mum and her brother. They’ve given us access to the app and we’re using it to track what we’re doing and share what we’re enjoying as we go.   This week, Ashley has been focusing on the book tracking function: You can scan a book and log it as an activity (great for read-alouds and independent reading) Ashley created a “dummy child” called Library to track her home education book collection She tags books with keywords (country, geography, history, etc.) so she can quickly see what she already owns It helps prevent over-buying or borrowing loads from the library when you don’t need to Kelly’s also using Strew to support a reading challenge with her kids and to look back over time at: What they’ve read How their reading level and text complexity is developing You can download Strew on iOS and Android. https://strew.app/r/bighomeed   Use code bighomeed when you subscribe (so it links back to where you found it).   In this episode, we chat about: Why “Food Around the World” can go in a million directions (and why that’s the magic of it) Food, travel, culture, and how communities grow/produce food differently How climate, geography, and environment shape what people eat How food connects to history (including Roman influences in Britain) Why this topic can be tricky with neurodivergent / selective eaters — but still totally doable Food miles, carbon impact, and the surprising footprint of an everyday breakfast Soil health, farming, and how modern agriculture affects nutrients, rivers, and habitats Hunger relief, food banks, and how food distribution works behind the scenes Local economy: where your food money goes (and why local matters)   Listen to find out next weeks topic! Follow + connect Instagram + TikTok: @bighomeedpodcast Website + weekly blog/resources: bighomeedpodcast.com   If you’re joining in with our weekly topic challenge, come and tell us what you did — we’d love to hear your ideas and share them with the community.

Welcome back to the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast. In this episode, Kelly and Ashley share how they tackled a surprisingly big topic with their kids: capital allocation and investing — including spending vs saving, risk, impulse buying, and how money habits form early (for better or worse). In this episode, we chat about: Why this topic matters (and why most of us weren’t taught it!) Helping kids understand spend / save / invest / give Kelly’s “family token currency” experiment (spend pot, save pot, investment pot + family pot) How risk works (and why investing can go up or down) Monopoly as a not-so-surprisingly good money-learning tool Bank accounts, budgeting, and setting realistic goals Impulse buying (and a family challenge to reduce it) Why values matter: experiences vs “stuff” (and how everyone prioritises differently) Every week we will be picking a new topic from the hat that we wouldn't often choose to cover with our kids - we go away and give it a whirl, coming back to share what we did - bit like home ed topic speed dating! Listen to find out next week's topic! Resources mentioned:Finance With Kids Podcast (Episode 24: Practicing Smart Spending Habits and Avoiding Impulse Buying)FI for Kids podcast (Financial Independence for Kids)Teachers Pay Teachers: “Personal Financial Literacy” (3rd grade math unit)Usborne Lift-the-Flap Questions & Answers About MoneyKnow Nonsense Guide to Money: An Awesome Fun Guide to the World of FinanceInvesting for Kids: From Piggy Banks to PortfoliosWhy Money Matters (Deborah Meaden)Monopoly - any version   Season 5’s paid sponsor is Strew — a home education logging app developed by a UK home educating mum and her brother. They’ve given us access to play around with the app over the next few weeks, and we’ll be reviewing it honestly as we go.https://strew.app/r/bighomeed  So far, we’re especially loving:The feed (a scrollable timeline of what you’ve been up to)Uploading photos and adding notes (so your memories don’t just sit in your camera roll with no context)The ability to scan books (and other learning) into the appThe optional AI feature that can help categorise what you’ve logged (e.g., literacy, maths, etc.) and generate “study points” If you want to try Strew, use code 'bighomeed' when you subscribe. - Head to https://strew.app/r/bighomeed  to download it now on IOS and Android. Follow + connectInstagram + TikTok: @bighomeedpodcast Website + weekly blog/resources: bighomeedpodcast.com If you’re joining in with our weekly topic challenge, come and tell us what you did — we’d love to share your ideas with the community.

Welcome back to Season 5 of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast. In this short “we’re back!” episode, Kelly Rigg (home ed mum of two, qualified mindset + ADHD coach) and Ashley Vanerio (home ed mum of three, former primary teacher) share what’s been happening behind the scenes, why we took a break, and what’s coming up next. This season we’re doing something a bit different: each week we’ll pick a random topic out of a hat, go away and explore it with our kids (without telling each other what we’re doing), then come back to compare notes. We’ll share what worked, what flopped, what resources we found, what questions our kids asked, and what unexpected learning popped up along the way. We’re also excited to share that Season 5 is sponsored by Strew — a UK-built home education app created by brother and sister duo, Kayley & Woody as fellow home educators - they really know what we need from a home ed app! We’ll be trying out features across the season (photos, activity logging, book scanning and more) and reporting back honestly as we go. Take a listen to find out what we pulled from the hat first then come and join the conversation on social media, and tell us what you do with this week’s topic. Season 5 is Sponsored by: Strew App - Download here: https://strew.app/r/bighomeed and use code: 'bighomeed' so they know where you found it! Follow Strew on Social media - @strewapp on Instagram and TikTok.  Follow us: Instagram + TikTok: @bighomeedpodcast Website: bighomeedpodcast.com

It’s the final episode of Season 4 of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, and we’re keeping up our (now official!) yearly tradition: a relaxed, honest Year in Reflection.   Kelly and Ashley look back on what’s worked in their home education lives this year—what’s felt joyful, what’s been challenging, and what they want to carry forward into next year. Expect a cosy, chatty recap filled with real-life wins, lessons learned, and practical ideas you can borrow for your own home ed.   In this episode, we talk about: Why travel (UK trips, camping, and overseas adventure) brings built-in novelty and learning—especially for neurodivergent families Using different modes of transport (ferries, trains) as learning opportunities and curiosity fuel The ongoing juggle of routines, energy and extracurriculars (pony share, forest school, climbing, online classes) How read-alouds, audiobooks and book studies have shaped learning, sparked big conversations, and supported reluctant readers Regulation tools, movement, and mixing up learning mediums (chalk pens, drawing on glass, sensory supports) Enterprise learning through craft fairs and kid-led projects What we’re adjusting next year: social rhythms, responsibilities/chores, games, and finding a better balance We also share a huge thank you to everyone who’s listened, reviewed, shared, and supported Season 4—and we’ll be taking a short break before returning for Season 5 in the spring. Don't forget to subscribe and catch up on earlier episodes while you wait!   Keywords: home education UK, home ed year in review, neurodivergent home education, unschooling, eclectic homeschooling, home ed travel, home education routines, read alouds, audiobooks for kids, home ed resources   Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, and catch up on any episodes you’ve missed while we’re on break. We’ll also be dropping the occasional book review over the winter.

In this episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley get real about adultism—the often-unquestioned power imbalance between adults and children. Inspired by fellow home educating mum and respected expert on Adultism, Eloise Rickman and her book 'It's Not Fair', they reflect on how even the most conscious parents can slip into controlling patterns, and what it means to truly respect kids as full people. They discuss: What adultism is, and how it shows up in everyday family life. The challenge of letting go of control as kids grow and assert themselves. Why children’s rights and autonomy matter (and why most of us never learned about them.) The impact of language, discipline, and school structures on children’s self-worth. Personal stories about food battles, bodily autonomy, and learning to find a balance between protection and control. How to balance safety, boundaries and respect—without losing your mind as a parent! Kelly and Ashley share honest moments of vulnerability, cringe from some seriously eye opening moments experienced whilst reading, and how important growth is in this area, as well as offering practical ways to shift from a power-over dynamic to a more collaborative, compassionate approach. They highlight the importance of compromise, self-reflection, and community support for parents doing this work. Take it further: Listen in for inspiration, solidarity, and practical ideas to help you rethink your own patterns and raise more empowered, respected kids. Join the conversation on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, or via the blog www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/blog Don't forget to grab a copy of Eloise Rickman's book, 'It's Not Fair' to take your journey down this road further Keywords: adultism, respectful parenting, children’s rights, home education UK, conscious parenting, autonomy for kids, power dynamics, BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast

In this episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley sit down with Catherine Gladwell, founder and CEO of Refugee Education UK, to explore what education really looks like when your whole life has been uprooted.   Catherine shares powerful stories from her work with refugee children and teenagers in the UK – many of whom have been out of school for years, arrived alone as unaccompanied minors, or are trying to learn in a new language while carrying trauma, grief and separation from family.   Together they unpack: Why over half of the world’s refugee children are currently out of school The hidden barriers refugee learners face in the UK (language, trauma, missing records, complex systems) How academic potential is misjudged when language and PTSD get mistaken for “low ability” Incredible resilience and self‑motivation – from teens fighting to sit GCSEs to those dreaming of rebuilding their home countries The emotional impact of prejudice, othering and hostile narratives about refugees How schools can better recognise prior learning (mother‑tongue GCSEs, accelerated learning, subject‑specific language support) What home‑educating families can do to talk about refugees, challenge stereotypes and raise more compassionate kids Kelly and Ashley also reflect on parallels with home education: worries about “translating” a non‑standard educational path into exams, further education and future opportunities – and how our current systems often measure the wrong things while missing character, resilience and lived experience.   Resources mentioned: The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf - Get it here. Refugee Education UK - https://www.reuk.org/donate  Take it further: Use this episode as a springboard to talk with your children about refugees, displacement and shared humanity. Small acts of welcome – a smile, a hello, an invitation to play – can make a huge difference to a young person starting again in a new country.   Keywords: refugee education UK, refugee children in school, asylum seekers and education, prejudice and refugees, inclusive education, trauma‑informed teaching, accelerated learning, home education UK, changing perspectives, empathy for refugees