A CLASS OF YOUR OWN

The lockdown means many parents who never considered teaching their children at home now have to. Home educator Mandi Emmet shares her tips for the best experience

- Kirstie Thomas

Home -schooling has helped Lola thrive

When Mandi Emmet talks about home educating her 10-year-old daughter Lola, the first impression is of how much she enjoys the experience. ‘We get to share a very special time,’ says the 53-year-old mother of one from Little Hulton, Salford.

Of course, thanks to the coronavirus lockdown, many parents across Lancashire are now home educators and, as something thrust upon them, it can seem daunting. But speaking to Mandi about her experiences with Lola - from mastering maths to trampolining trips with other home-schooled kids to Lola’s recent obsession with Japan - gives a window into an educational experience which makes learning seem less of a struggle and more of a shared lifestyle which has brought the family together.

‘When we homeschooled her first we went on Google and all of a sudden this world opened up, it was like ‘wow’ ’

Originally from Bolton, Mandi is open that Lola was a late baby.

‘At 43, I never expected to ever have a child. When it happened, it was just the best thing ever,’ she says. ‘Then when Lola started part-time in nursery she struggled with detachment from me. I used to say I was sitting outside.’

At four, a full-time nursery wasn’t a fit for Lola, who lasted less than two red-eyed, tearful weeks before Mandi pulled her out. Then when she was five, Lola went to a school nearby but within six months was being bullied.

‘She’s very mild and non-aggressive, she had a few issues with a child attacking her, so I pulled her straight out of school.’