Rise in Home-Schooled Children: Social Learning Sessions in Nottinghamshire

Bridging the gap between home education and social skills through play-based learning

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:37am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene of children engaged in play-based learning activities, with soft pools of warm color and light creating a sense of warmth and community.As home schooling gains popularity, initiatives that foster social and emotional development help bridge the gap between flexible learning and the structured interactions of traditional classrooms.Today in Tampa

The number of home-schooled children in Nottinghamshire has risen by 18% in the past year, sparking a debate about the social and emotional benefits of home education versus traditional schooling. Former primary assistant head teacher Deb Hadden has launched 'social' learning sessions through her Ethereal Learning Foundation to support home-schooled children in developing crucial social and emotional skills often lacking in home environments.

Why it matters

As home schooling becomes more prevalent, there are concerns about the potential isolation and lack of early intervention for issues like anxiety that mainstream schools are better equipped to address. The sessions run by Deb Hadden aim to complement home education by providing structured social interactions, but questions remain about oversight and consistency in home education without formal inspections.

The details

Deb Hadden's sessions at the St Mary's Church Family Centre in Arnold focus on play-based, project-driven learning to foster social connections and emotional resilience in home-schooled children. While academic subjects are touched on, the primary goal is to develop crucial social skills often lacking in home environments. Parents like Sara, who home-educates her 8-year-old daughter Ellie, argue that home schooling allows for a more tailored and nurturing environment, but critics worry about the potential isolation and lack of early intervention for issues like anxiety.

  • The number of home-schooled children in Nottinghamshire has risen from 1,839 in the previous academic year to 2,178 currently, marking an 18% increase.
  • Deb Hadden founded the Ethereal Learning Foundation in January 2021 to address the social and emotional needs of home-schooled children.

The players

Deb Hadden

A former primary assistant head teacher who founded the Ethereal Learning Foundation to support home-schooled children in developing social and emotional skills.

Sara

A parent who home-educates her 8-year-old daughter Ellie, arguing that home schooling allows for a more tailored and nurturing environment.

Pepe Di'lasio

The Association of School and College Leaders, who worries about the potential isolation and lack of early intervention for issues like anxiety in home-schooled children.

Hana John

The Nottinghamshire County Council's cabinet member for education, who acknowledges that while mainstream schools are ideal for most children, home schooling can work well when families have the capacity and support network to provide a high standard of education.

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What’s next

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to address the social and emotional needs of home-schooled children by requiring local authorities to assess home environments within 15 days of a child being registered as not in school.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate about the social and emotional benefits of home schooling versus traditional schooling, and the need to ensure all children, regardless of their educational path, receive the necessary support to thrive socially and emotionally.