By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Northorpe Hall launches dedicated space to support families choosing to educate at home

A new Home Education Hub has opened at Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust in Mirfield, set up to provide resources and support for families who home educate.

Figures show that more than 4,500 children in West Yorkshire are now taught at home, reflecting a national increase of 21% over the past year.

The Hub aims to offer a safe and flexible environment where children, young people, and parents can access learning opportunities and peer support.

Families Share Experiences

The Hub was launched with an Open Day attended by families from across the area.

Parents spoke about the reasons behind their decision to home educate, including flexibility and challenges in mainstream education.

One parent explained: “It’s hard to fit in the little one’s needs when the older ones have such a rigid routine,” while another said: “She was having meltdowns and couldn’t cope with the setting.”

Support for Parents and Children

Helen Parker, Learning and Development Lead at Northorpe Hall, said: “We’re seeing children really struggling with the education system – often those with additional needs, particularly around neurodiversity – and the school environment is not always conducive to meeting their needs.

“Many parents are making a really difficult choice of sacrificing going out to work; for them, home education is a last resort when the school system simply can’t meet their child’s needs.”

At the Open Day, children aged five through to teenagers took part in a range of activities, including creating a ‘Calm Jar’, playing a wellbeing dice game, and contributing to a gratitude tree.

Demonstrations were also held by Brick Build Guild, Creature Connections, and Mac’s Makers and Creators, all of whom will be delivering regular sessions at the Hub.

Regular Sessions Planned

Northorpe says the hub will run twice-weekly Open Education Learning Spaces, providing access to books, computers, and other resources.

Sessions will also focus on developing resilience and confidence among young people, while parents and carers can join workshops offering practical strategies and peer support.

Helen Parker added: “Parents have told us how scared they feel, worried if they are doing the right thing.

“Some come to us and cry because they feel isolated and don’t know what to do, but home education doesn’t have to mean isolation.

“Families want opportunities to connect, and that’s where Northorpe Hall can help.”

Further Information

The Home Education Hub is now open at Northorpe Hall in Mirfield, with sessions available throughout the week. More information is available at: www.northorpe.com/homeedreg