A rural school is offering a new type of hybrid learning where children can attend school for three days a week and spend two days being taught at home.
Asby Endowed School has become one of only two schools in Eden offering an innovative flexi-school provision.
The offer is primarily aimed at the growing number of parents or guardians who choose to teach a child entirely from home.
The new offer involves a blend of three days at school — Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on the core curriculum — and then Thursday and Friday at home.
A number of other schools throughout the country have introduced flexi-schooling but within Eden, just one another does so — Milburn School.
Asby’s roll of 13 existing full-time pupils who study Monday to Friday are unaffected by the offer.
Headteacher Michelle Clark said: “Our school acknowledges that every child, and family, is different. As such, the headteacher will assess the conditions and practicalities of flexi-schooling on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that once agreed, flexi-schooling works for everyone – particularly the child.
“There are many misconceptions about flexi-schooling. It is not part-time education. In fact, it is recognised as full-time education but delivered in a hybrid format of both school attendance and elective home education.”
She added: “Over the past year, we have been gorge scrambling, fell walking, canoeing and rock climbing. At the same time, flexi-schooled children can also benefit from a nurturing home-based curriculum, delivered by the people that know them best: their parents.
“As well as this, families benefit from a more flexible approach to education. Flexi-schooling requires parents to work closely with the school, which can only enrich the educational experience for the child.
“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents have realised that flexi-schooling is the right approach for them and their child.
“Because of its size, the school benefits from a family atmosphere and an excellent working relationship with both children and families. This stands us in particularly good stead to adapt to the needs of every child and family that joins the Asby Endowed School family.”
An open morning will be held on Saturday, July 2 between 10am and noon. For more information contact Ms Clark on 017683 51154 or email head@asby.cumbria.sch.uk
