Episodes

  • The Secret Power of Reading Aloud | Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce on Stories, Happiness & Child Development

    Are you thinking about homeschooling or looking for ways to enrich your child’s education at home? In this powerful episode of Seatton Education, we sit down with Frank Cottrell-Boyce, British Children’s Laureate, award-winning writer and homeschooling father, to explore the life-changing benefits of storytelling and reading aloud.

    Discover how fiction and shared reading can transform your child’s emotional well-being, brain development, and literacy skills. Frank reveals insights from neuroscience on how reading to young children slows down their overwhelming sensory experiences—helping them focus, process emotions, and develop a lifelong love of learning. He also discusses the cultural undervaluation of reading for pleasure and why making books a joyful, shared experience is key to fostering a strong parent-child bond.

    Whether you’re a homeschooler or a parent wanting to create meaningful learning moments at home, this conversation will inspire you to rethink the role of stories in your child’s education.

  • Homeschooling, Accreditation & Student-Led Learning | April Huard’s Homeschooling Journey

    Are you thinking about homeschooling but worried about accreditation, college admissions, or how to transition from school to home education? In this episode, Victoria from Seatton Education sits down with April Huard, Director of Education at Clonlara School, to talk about homeschooling, accreditation, and student-led learning.

    April shares her personal journey into home education, explaining why she left mainstream education to embrace a more flexible, student-driven approach. She dives into how accreditation impacts homeschoolers, whether it’s necessary for college admissions, and what parents need to know when starting their homeschooling journey.

    This conversation is packed with practical homeschooling tips, including how to encourage child-led learning, ways to make the transition from school to homeschool smoother, and expert insights for families new to homeschooling.

    If you're researching how to start homeschooling, looking for alternative education options, or wondering how homeschooling fits into higher education pathways, this video is for you!

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  • In this episode of Seatton Education, host Victoria Seatton sits down with David and Sandra Snoke, a homeschooling couple with over 40 years of experience teaching their four children at home in the United States.

    David, a Distinguished Professor of Physics, and wife Sandra share why they chose to homeschool in the 1980s and how it transformed their family. They discuss the benefits of homeschooling, including personalized learning, social growth, flexible schedules, and homeschool co-ops.

    If you’re wondering how to start homeschooling, how to create a homeschool curriculum tailored to your child’s needs, or how to balance family life and education, this interview is packed with insights for new homeschool parents.

    ✅ Why homeschooling works for different learning styles
    ✅ How to balance structure with flexibility
    ✅ The truth about homeschool socialisation

  • Are you considering home education but unsure if it’s the right choice for your child? In the latest episode of Seatton Education, Victoria sits down with Tamara Strijack, the Academic Dean of the Neufeld Institute, to explore the benefits of homeschooling and how it supports child development.Tamara explains the principles of attachment-based learning, comparing a child’s growth to that of a plant needing the right conditions—connection, rest, and play—to flourish. She highlights how conventional schooling can sometimes create stress and anxiety, preventing children from reaching their full potential. In contrast, homeschooling offers a flexible, nurturing environment tailored to a child’s needs.Drawing from her own experience of home-educating her daughters, Tamara shares practical advice on building a support network, fostering multi-generational learning, and creating a calm, engaging home education environment. She encourages parents to trust their instincts and embrace a more natural approach to learning.

  • In this episode of Seatton Education, host Victoria Hebbert dives deep into the realities of home education with experienced homeschool mother Jan Smith. Jan began homeschooling her four children in 1989 and shares powerful insights on the benefits, challenges, and life-changing impact of homeschooling.

    Discover practical homeschooling advice for parents, including time management tips, creating a strong family culture, and balancing home education with personal time. Jan also tackles common concerns like losing career identity, financial worries, and socialisation myths, offering reassurance that homeschooling can be both achievable and rewarding.

    If you’re a parent exploring home education or just starting your homeschooling journey, this episode is packed with encouragement, inspiration, and actionable tips to help you confidently take the next step. Learn how tailored, passion-driven education can help your child thrive academically and personally.

  • In this episode of Seatton Education, host Victoria Hebbert dives deep into the realities of home education with experienced homeschool mother Jan Smith. Jan began homeschooling her four children in 1989 and shares powerful insights on the benefits, challenges, and life-changing impact of homeschooling.

    Discover practical homeschooling advice for parents, including time management tips, creating a strong family culture, and balancing home education with personal time. Jan also tackles common concerns like losing career identity, financial worries, and socialisation myths, offering reassurance that homeschooling can be both achievable and rewarding.

    If you’re a parent exploring home education or just starting your homeschooling journey, this episode is packed with encouragement, inspiration, and actionable tips to help you confidently take the next step. Learn how tailored, passion-driven education can help your child thrive academically and personally.

  • In this episode of Seatton Education, Victoria dives deep into the world of bilingual education with Margot Lossouarn, a French language educator with nearly 30 years of experience. Whether you're just starting your homeschooling journey or exploring the benefits of home education, this video is packed with strategies to help your child learn a second language—no matter your level of fluency!

  • In the latest episode of the Seatton Education podcast, host Victoria sits down with a veteran campaigner for families’ educational rights to discuss the growing trend of home education in the UK.

    This insightful conversation challenges the misconceptions surrounding homeschooling, emphasizing that it’s not just about online lessons or hiring tutors. Instead, the focus is on family-based learning—an approach that often takes place beyond the home, fostering real-world skills and stronger family connections.
    The episode also dives into the external pressures facing modern families, including fiscal policies pushing both parents into the workforce and increasing state control over children’s education and upbringing. Many families are turning to home education due to concerns about bullying, dissatisfaction with the school system, and the desire to support their children’s mental health and well-being.
    Victoria and Randall explore how home education empowers parents to take back control, prioritise family time, and nurture their children in a more personalized way.

  • In this episode of the Seatton Education Podcast, Victoria sits down with Jenni Cassidy, an inspiring mother of seven and co-founder of Dumb Ox Learning, who has been successfully homeschooling her children for over 20 years. 🌟

    Jenni discusses the motivations behind choosing homeschooling, the challenges and joys she faced, and how it shaped her family's culture. They also delve into details about the classical education approach, using the American high school diploma system, and the benefits of tailored learning. Learn how Jenni and her community adapted an American curriculum for their needs and founded Dumb Ox Learning to support other homeschoolers.

  • Homeschooling Works: Proven Benefits & Insights with David Hunt | Seatton Education

    Are you considering homeschooling or just starting your home education journey? In this episode of Seatton Education, host Victoria dives deep into the world of homeschooling with David Hunt, Research Director at the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy. David shares groundbreaking insights from his research on various education models, with a special focus on homeschooling. Discover how homeschooling leads to incredible outcomes, such as fostering entrepreneurial skills, building strong family bonds, and enhancing community engagement among graduates.

    David also provides a personal perspective, reflecting on his experience homeschooling his four children and the positive impact it had on their character development and family dynamics. If you're curious about flexible education options or seeking advice on creating a tailored learning experience for your child, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

    Join us as we explore why homeschooling works, backed by data and lived experience. Don’t miss this chance to learn how individualised learning can benefit your child and your family.

    Subscribe for more tips, expert interviews, and resources to help you confidently start homeschooling. Hit the like button and share this video with other parents exploring home education!

  • Are you curious about homeschooling or wondering how to start home educating your children? In this episode of the Seatton Education Podcast, Victoria interviews Reham Zia, an environmental science professional and former homeschooler, who shares her inspiring journey from traditional schooling to being homeschooled from middle school through high school.

    Reham reveals how her mother’s personalised approach to hands-on learning helped her thrive academically and personally. She discusses the pivotal role of family values and support in her homeschool experience and how it shaped her lifelong love of learning. From exploring diverse subjects to building strong family bonds, Reham’s story highlights the unique benefits of homeschooling.

    In this conversation, you’ll also hear insights into common misconceptions about homeschooling, tips for fostering a holistic education, and the empowering impact of tailoring education to a child’s needs. Whether you’re just starting to homeschool or exploring home education as an option, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

    Subscribe for more home education tips and parenting insights. Let Reham’s story motivate you to take the next step in your homeschooling journey!

  • Curious about homeschooling and socialization / socialisation? In this episode of the Seatton Education Podcast, host Victoria interviews Justin McGeary, a university professor from the United States who was homeschooled and plans to homeschool his own children. Discover Justin’s inspiring journey from being home educated to excelling in academia, and why he believes homeschooling is a powerful and viable educational choice.

    This video addresses the common question: “Do homeschooled children develop good social skills?” Justin shares his firsthand experience, debunking myths about homeschool socialisation. Learn how homeschooling can foster rich interactions across all age groups, encourage versatile social skills, and break free from stereotypes.

    If you’re a parent exploring home education or just starting your homeschooling journey, this video is packed with valuable insights. Justin discusses the importance of intentional planning, the role of parents in shaping their child’s social and academic experiences, and the unique opportunities homeschooling offers.

    Whether you're looking for advice, reassurance, or inspiration, this episode offers practical tips for homeschooling parents and busts misconceptions about home education. Don’t forget to subscribe for more homeschooling tips, strategies, and expert interviews to guide your journey.

  • Are you considering homeschooling but unsure where to start? In this inspiring episode of the Seatton Education Podcast, host Victoria interviews Rachel McGregor, a former primary school teacher and headteacher who made the life-changing decision to quit teaching to home educate her children. Having trained at the University of Cambridge and having years of experience leading schools, Rachel shares her journey from traditional education to creating a personalised, nature-based learning environment for her family.

    Rachel discusses the challenges of conventional schooling, including Ofsted inspections, limited teacher autonomy, and the lack of individualised learning opportunities. Disenchanted by the system, she founded Wild Walker Academy, a platform promoting outdoor education and child-led learning. Whether you're a parent starting your homeschooling journey or exploring home education as an alternative to traditional school, this video is packed with eye-opening insight into the conventional educational system.

  • In this inspiring episode of the Seatton Education Podcast, host Victoria dives into the transformative journey of Sameera, a homeschooling mother of four from the United Arab Emirates. Discover how Sameera transitioned from a thriving corporate banking career to embracing the freedom and flexibility of home education. She shares her insights on overcoming challenges, finding personalised solutions with Clonlara, and navigating the UAE’s unique educational landscape. Sameera also discusses the deep family bonds formed through homeschooling, the educational paths of her children, and her mission to support Urdu-speaking families via her YouTube channel. Packed with real-life experiences and expert advice, this episode is a must-listen for parents exploring homeschooling alternatives or seeking inspiration when transitioning from a career.

  • Are you navigating the challenges of home educating multiple kids? In this episode of Seatton Education, host Victoria sits down with Sheri Renno, a homeschooling mother of ten and the founder of Our Life Homeschooling, to share practical tips for homeschooling multiple children of different ages. Whether you're a new homeschool parent or considering making the switch, this video is packed with insights to help you create a successful and stress-free homeschool environment.

    Sheri reveals her strategies for managing household tasks, balancing individual learning needs, and incorporating Christian values into daily education. Learn how to foster independent learning, integrate everyday activities into education, and make homeschooling less time-intensive than you might think.

    Discover the advantages of homeschooling over traditional school, including flexibility, personalized learning, and building stronger family bonds. Sheri also provides advice on early education for young children, raising motivated learners, and juggling the demands of a big family while prioritizing education.

    If you're a parent searching for tips on homeschooling multiple children, creating a faith-based homeschool, or simply improving your homeschool routine, this video is for you. Subscribe for more inspiring home education content and start your homeschooling journey today!

  • Are you wondering, “How can I teach my child to read with phonics?” In this episode of Seatton Education, host Victoria dives into home education essentials with the founder of Reading Roots, Miss Mabel (aka Claire Smith), an experienced phonics educator. This video is packed with practical, easy-to-follow strategies for teaching your child to read at home using phonics—perfect for parents who are new to homeschooling or just exploring home education as an option.

    With 15 years of experience, Claire breaks down the basics of systematic synthetic phonics, an effective approach that links letters and sounds to make reading easy and enjoyable. She offers real-life examples, tips, and fun phonics activities to build children’s confidence as they learn to read. Whether you’re just starting out with homeschooling or looking for ways to support your child’s reading journey, this video provides invaluable guidance on the phonics fundamentals.

    Join us to learn how you can create a strong reading foundation for your child and build a love for learning. Make sure to subscribe for more homeschooling tips and parenting advice to support your child’s literacy and learning at home!

  • Join Victoria in this episode of the Seatton Education podcast as she interviews Beverly Huebner, a Canadian mother who homeschooled her children from kindergarten through to grade 12. Beverly shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in home education over the years. She discusses the developmental needs of her son, the homeschooling dynamics within her family, support from her husband, and the socialisation/socialization of their children. Beverly also reflects on how home education has impacted her children's lives and provides insights into how her daughter continues the homeschooling tradition with her own children.

  • Join us in this episode of the Seatton Education Podcast as Victoria interviews Helen Harrold, co-founder of Dumb Ox Learning. Discover insights into various educational paths for homeschool children, focusing on the American High School Diploma, SAT, and AP exams. Helen shares her personal homeschooling journey and contrasts it with traditional schooling, explaining the benefits and unique approaches to home education. Learn how families can collaboratively teach subjects and navigate university admissions, including the pathways to acceptance by UK universities. Helen also discusses the advantages of choosing AP exams over A levels for British universities, the flexibility they offer, and their cost-effectiveness.

  • This episode of the Seatton Education podcast delves into the advantages and challenges of home education, contrasted with the downsides of conventional schooling. Russ quotes Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a psychologist, who highlights the importance of parents being the primary influence in their children's lives, which traditional schools often hinder. Benefits of homeschooling such as academic success, personalised learning, flexibility, and time efficiency are also discussed. Russ tackles common homeschool concerns such as socialisation, suggesting that careful exposure to appropriate experiences leads to stronger family bonds and healthier relationships. Personal anecdotes showcase the development of communication and networking skills in home-educated children. Additionally, the supportive role of the non-primary educating parent and the unique learning experiences through family travel are emphasised, underlining the personal and educational gains from home education.

  • In this episode of the Seatton Education Podcast, host Victoria interviews Russ Hiebert, a former Canadian Member of Parliament and homeschooling father. They explore Russ's transition from politics to prioritising family, and his family's experience with homeschooling in British Columbia, where educational freedom is supported by governmental policies. Russ emphasises the advantages of personalised learning tailored to individual needs, highlighting research that shows home-educated students outperforming their conventionally schooled peers both academically and socially. The discussion also addresses common misconceptions about homeschooling and considers some of the shortcomings of mainstream education.