Hello, I’m Hayley
I am a home educating mother of five and the voice behind Home Educate with Hayley.
We are a British military family who are currently based in Hertfordshire. We began home educating during Covid, at a time when many families were forced to reconsider what education could look like. We very quickly fell in love with the slower pace, and what started as necessity quickly became our way of life. We discovered that learning did not need to be confined to a timetable or classroom to be rigorous, meaningful or deeply rooted. Whilst I thought my children were relatively happy at school, I found they were in fact less anxious, and more excited about learning when they were away from the classroom.
With the uncertainty of the world, and the fact that at the time my husband was working and living in Dorset Monday- Friday and uncertain of the Covid rules and whether he would be able to come back and forwards at weekends, we decided to temporarily change our lives. So we de registered the children and moved onto a military camp in Dorset – just for one year (or so we thought)
Since then, home education has become not simply what we do, but how we live.
Our days are shaped by books, conversation, nature, creativity and thoughtful exploration. With now five children at different ages and stages, our approach is necessarily flexible — but always intentional.
Our Family
We are a literature-loving, discussion-heavy, often muddy, sometimes loud family who believe that curiosity is worth protecting.
Each child learns differently, and home education has given us the freedom to respond to that. Some seasons are structured and academic; others are slower and exploratory. What remains constant is our belief that education should cultivate thoughtful, articulate and confident young people.
Theatre, museums, galleries and historic places are not occasional treats for us — they are part of how we bring ideas to life. We believe that stepping beyond the home deepens understanding and creates lasting connection.
Our Home Education Style
Our home education style has always been a little bit eclectic — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When I first began this journey, I was home educating just two children, aged five and seven, with a toddler at my feet and a baby in my arms. Those early days were beautifully chaotic. Learning happened in between naps, snack times, and baby feeds. It was gentle, relationship-led, and often woven into the rhythm of our everyday life rather than sitting neatly inside a timetable.
Today, our home education looks different — not in heart, but in shape. Now a mum to 5, With my eldest now studying for GCSEs and the two little ones (once that toddler and baby!) now of compulsory school age, we naturally need more structure. There are exam specifications to consider, deeper academic discussions to have, and a greater need for planning and organisation. But even with that added structure, I try to kept hold of the richness and freedom that drew us to home education in the first place (even though some months I definitely feel like I haven’t quite got that balance right)
An Eclectic Approach
I would describe our style as an eclectic blend of approaches. We draw from a wide variety of philosophies and resources, choosing what works best for each child and each season.
We love the gentle, literature-rich beauty of the Charlotte Mason approach. Living books, narration, picture study, composer study, and time in nature form an important thread through our weeks.
We incorporate Christian unit studies that allow us to explore history, science, geography and theology through a faith-based lens. These studies often shape the rhythm of a term and allow all the children to gather together around shared learning.
At the same time, we are not afraid to dip into parts of the National Curriculum where helpful — particularly as the children grow older and qualifications come into view. I want my children to be able to step confidently into further education should they choose that path.
Learning Beyond the Table
Our learning is rarely confined to four walls.
We try to be as hands-on as possible. Science experiments on the kitchen side. Art projects that leave the table covered in paint. Measuring ingredients while baking. Building, creating, discussing.
We learn outdoors whenever we can — in forests, fields, parks, and on long countryside walks. Nature study has been one of the most consistent threads through our years of home education.
And then there are the wider classroom walls: museums, galleries, theatres, historic houses, and workshops. Some of our richest learning has happened standing in front of an exhibit, watching a live performance, or asking questions during a tour.
But perhaps one of my favourite resources of all is our allotment.
The allotment has been a classroom like no other. It has taught patience, seasons, life cycles, responsibility, resilience, maths (measuring beds and spacing seeds), science (soil health, pollination, ecosystems), and so much more. It grounds us — quite literally — and reminds us that education is not only about books, but about cultivating both soil and character.
Growing With Our Children
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that home education is not static. It grows and shifts as your family grows and shifts.
What worked when I had two small children and two under three looks different now that I have five children spanning early years to GCSE level. Our days are fuller. There is more independent study. There are more books open at once. There are more conversations happening around the table.
But at its heart, our home education remains the same.
It is relationship-first.
It is rooted in faith.
It is rich with books and nature.
It values curiosity, conversation, and character just as much as academic achievement.
And above all, it is ours — shaped by our children, our seasons, and the grace to adapt as we grow.
My Background
I studied English Literature and Theatre at both A Level and degree level, and storytelling has always shaped how I understand learning. I have always been passionate about good quality literature; especially when it comes to children. I have always wanted my children to fall in love with reading; to be totally absorbed in books that transport them to magical places. I want Nania to be a part of their hearts, to cry when reading Charlottes web, to understand and laugh at Shakespeare. I want them to see the relevance of reading the classics, whilst creating their own memories with more modern literature.
My own academic foundation and love for literature definitely influences the way I approach home education. I value depth over speed, discussion over memorisation, and exposure to rich language and culture from an early age.
when it comes to careers – I’ve had a few! Never one to work in an office I’ve always wanted to live life and work whilst doing so. Most of my work has been self employed in Martketing and Promotions. I’ve travelled the country presenting on stages with thousands of people, worked at live events promoting everything from travel magazines, to makeup, super bikes, and wooden toys. I have written a previous successful lifestyle blog (pre children) where I reviewed restaurants, travel destinations and fashion. Now …… now my focus is my family! I am primarily a stay at home mum – I wrote this blog and create social media content based around education as a creative outlet but also to build community, not only for my children but for myself, and after 6 years I feel I have the experience and knowledge to help others get successfully started on their home education journeys.
This platform is not simply a diary of our days. It is shaped by reflection, experience and a genuine desire to offer thoughtful guidance to other families walking a similar path.
What You’ll Find Here
Home Educate with Hayley exists to support families who want to approach home education with clarity and confidence.
Everything shared here is chosen with care. I am not interested in promoting every opportunity that comes my way (been there done that) I value experiences and resources that are meaningful, enriching and aligned with thoughtful education. If you see me positively reviewing a product, resource or experience even if it’s with an affiliate link, or I am being paid to review it always know that’s it’s genuine. If I try a resource and it’s lacking I will tell you!
Why This Space Exists
Home education can feel overwhelming at times. There is no single formula, and comparison can easily cloud confidence.
My hope is that this space offers steadiness — a calm, considered voice in a world that often feels noisy. My aim is to create a community where we can all come together, offer support when needed and share ideas. I think many of us are living without a village, and although I don’t own farm land to create an in person village for all of us, I can’t start with what I do have …….. this blog and a few social media pages!
If you are seeking a home education approach that values depth, culture, curiosity and real-world experience, you are very welcome here. I’ll share the good days and the not so good days. I think sometimes home education can come across as overly idealistic, and whilst there are moments it can be – it can also be a struggle, chaotic and filled with doubt, just like every other aspect of motherhood. I feel it’s important to share both sides.
INSTAGRAM: for daily updates & resources
FACEBOOK: For ALL things home education, and adventures
PINTREST: The place to get and share pretty ideas
THREADS: The place for chit chat
TIKTOK: Home Ed advice, community, day in the life’s, and adventures
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