Frequently asked questions
Self Managed Learning Sheffield is a part-time setting supplementing the learning taking place at home and elsewhere for electively home educated children. The responsibility for providing a full-time education remains with the parents.
Self Managed Learning is an approach to learning where the individual has autonomy and responsibility for their own education. The term was created in 1979 to describe a specific learning method, distinct from the generic term "self-managed learning" often used to describe vague learner-centered approaches. It focuses on the individual having power over their choices, including what, where, when, and why they learn.
It has been researched by 4 universities and used by clients such as Nike Europe, BBC, Ikea, Virgin and Shell.
It is very important to us that we are an in-person community. Making friends and interacting in-person with other young people of a similar age is still an important part of childhood which should be encouraged and supported.
Initially we are accepting young people aged between 11-16. However, it is the long-term goal for the setting to accept young people from 7-17.
Sadly this service is not free. We continue to look for ways of sourcing funding and grants to reduce our costs and to create a hardship fund to make this form of education more affordable for all.
If you would like more information on fees, please contact nick@selfmanagedlearningsheffield.co.uk
No, we strongly believe that being present in a community of mixed ages and navigating social interactions is an important part of child development.
No, whilst appointments, illnesses and planned holidays are a part of life, it should be the intention of all young people who join up to attend regularly.
Regular attendance allows young people to navigate the positive and negative aspects of living and learning in a shared community which is an important learning experience.
Choosing a new education option is not an easy decision for guardians or young people. Please see more information about our joining process here.
No, the Self Managed Learning method gives the young person autonomy and responsibility for their own education and so does not follow the national or another previously laid out curriculum unless the person chooses to study for exams of their choosing.
The learning group meeting has a deliberately loose structure, the group can choose how they would best like to spend their time based on the specific needs of the people within it on any given week. Find out more here.
However the loose structure that is available to them each week asks them to answer the following questions:
What went well last week?
What did not go so well?
What are your plans for this week?
The Mentors remain on site for the duration of each session and are available to be booked for meetings for coaching or assistance at our initial community meeting. Each Mentor on site will have their own sets of skills and expertise displayed on our skills board to make it easy for the young people to know what help they can expect.