A Guide to Homeschooling in South Africa:
Everything Parents and Au Pairs Need to Know
Homeschooling is rapidly becoming one of the most popular educational choices for South African families 🇿🇦
Whether you’re a parent considering this path or an au pair looking to support a homeschooling family, this comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about homeschooling in South Africa, from understanding what it really means to navigating the legal requirements and beyond.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational approach where children learn at home instead of attending traditional school. It’s not simply “school at home”, it’s a flexible, personalised way of learning that can be adapted to each child’s unique needs, interests, and learning style.
For many families, homeschooling means that a parent, au pair, or qualified teacher provides education in the home environment, complete with structured learning, assessment, and enrichment activities.
The beauty of homeschooling lies in its adaptability 😊 no two homeschooling families look exactly the same.
A real-life example:
Tammy is a senior au pair who works with a ten-year-old boy who learns at home. Each morning, she helps him set up his learning space, follow his study plan, and complete his school tasks. She is not a trained teacher, but she knows how to guide his homeschooling in a calm and helpful way. 👩🏫
The Role of Au Pairs in Homeschooling
What is a Homeschool Au Pair?
A homeschool au pair is someone who supports a child’s learning at home, whether full-time or part-time. They assist with reading, writing, projects, and daily educational activities.
This role can be filled by:
- 👩👦 A parent or guardian
- 👩🏫 An au pair, tutor, or educational assistant
- 👵 A trusted family member
- 🧑🍼 Anyone with the dedication to guide a child’s learning journey
Do You Need Teaching Qualifications?
While a teaching degree isn’t mandatory, certain qualifications can significantly enhance your effectiveness:
Helpful Qualifications:
- ✅ Teaching degree provides deep understanding of child development
- ✅ Psychology or play therapy training supports emotional needs
- ✅ Specialised homeschooling courses build confidence and skills
- ✅ Matric certificate is the minimum requirement in South Africa
Age Groups and Support Needs
Homeschooling typically serves children from age 5 to 17. Children under 13 often require more intensive daily support, making au pairs invaluable for working parents or large families.
Is Homeschooling Legal in South Africa?
Yes, homeschooling is completely legal in South Africa. The South African Schools Act of 1996 recognises three types of education:
- Government schools
- Private schools
- Home education
However, homeschooling requires proper registration and compliance with provincial education department requirements. This is where many families feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.
Why Choose Homeschooling? The Key Benefits
Now that you understand the legal landscape, let’s explore why so many South African families are choosing this educational path:
1. Stronger Family Bonds
Homeschooling families spend significant time together living, learning, and playing. This creates opportunities to develop deep understanding and establish strong family commitments that last a lifetime.
2. Personalised Education
Home schooling is especially beneficial for:
- Children with special needs
- Gifted children who need accelerated learning
- Children with specific talents (music, sport, arts)
- Children who learn differently or at their own pace
3. Flexible Time Management
Research shows that primary school children typically complete their full curriculum in 2-3 hours daily, while secondary students need 3-4 hours. This leaves more time for:
- Pursuing special interests and hobbies
- Physical activity and outdoor play
- Family time and real-world experiences
- Rest and creative exploration
4. Cost-Effective Alternative
For families who desire private education but find it financially challenging, homeschooling offers a more affordable option while maintaining educational quality.
5. Adaptability to Life Changes
Recent events like COVID-19 have highlighted the value of educational flexibility. Homeschooling families can adapt quickly to changing circumstances without disrupting their children’s learning journey.
Department of Education Registration: What You Need
📝 Department of Education Registration: What You Need to Know (South Africa)
If a family is homeschooling in South Africa, it is recommended that they register their child with the Department of Basic Education. While this is not currently enforced in all areas, registering helps keep things legal and safe for the family.
It also helps the Department understand how many families are homeschooling and what kind of support they might need.
As a homeschool teacher, tutor, or au pair, you might be asked to help with this. 🤝
Here’s everything you need to know, including what to do if documents are missing, and where to find the most up-to-date information.
📌 Homeschooling in South Africa: Where to Start
In South Africa, homeschooling registration is handled by the Provincial Education Departments. Each province may have small differences in how they do things, but the main process is the same.
You can apply online on the Department of Basic Education’s official website here: 👉 https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/HomeEducation.aspx
You will find:
- The online application form
- Guidelines for families
- Contact details for your province
📎 Homeschooling in South Africa: What Families Need to Apply
All families will need to provide the following:
✅ A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
✅ Copies of both parents’ ID documents
✅ A copy of the child’s latest school report (not needed for Grade 1 or children who never attended school)
✅ A clear plan for how learning will happen at home:
· Weekly timetable
· Term overview
· Daily planner or subject outline
✅ The physical address where the child will be learning
✅ A short summary of the curriculum the family will use
❓ What If Something Is Missing?
Here are some common problems and what to do:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No birth certificate yet? | Suggest the parent applies for one at Home Affairs. Some provinces allow a temporary ID document if it is stamped and signed. |
| No school report? | This is usually fine for Grade 1 learners or children who never went to school. In that case, a written explanation should be submitted with the application. |
| No fixed curriculum yet? | Offer to help the family choose one or prepare a basic summary with subjects like Maths, English, Life Skills, and Reading. |
⏳ What Happens After Applying?
Once the family submits their application and documents:
- The Department will review everything
- They might contact the family for more details
- Once approved, the family will receive a registration certificate by email or post
- This can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days depending on the province
Keep a copy of all documents and follow up if you have not heard back in 3 weeks.
Things to Look Out For
🔶 Avoid paying anyone to “fast track” the registration → this process is free
🔶 Make sure the ID and birth certificates are certified by a Commissioner of Oaths
🔶 Remind the family that registration is for each child → not just the family as a whole
Final Tips for You
- Be calm and reassuring. This process can feel scary to new parents
- Offer to help them prepare the schedule and planner using your course knowledge
- Keep a printed copy of the Home Education Guidelines if you work with many families
- Remind parents that this is just one step, and they are doing great for choosing this journey
🛡️ The Pestalozzi Trust Explained
Now that you understand the legal requirements, you might wonder:
- “What if something goes wrong?
- What if officials challenge the family’s right to homeschool?”
👆 This is where many families feel vulnerable, and it’s exactly why the Pestalozzi Trust exists.
Homeschooling in South Africa is legal, but some families worry about being misunderstood by officials or facing pressure from schools or social workers.
That’s where the Pestalozzi Trust can help.
This public benefit organisation supports families who choose home education and gives them peace of mind by offering legal protection, guidance, and advocacy. As a homeschool teacher, tutor, or professional au pair, it is helpful to understand what the Pestalozzi Trust does and how it supports the families you work with.
💡 What Is the Pestalozzi Trust?
The Pestalozzi Trust is a South African legal defence organisation that protects the constitutional rights of families who homeschool. It was founded in 1998 and is run as a non-profit membership organisation.
It does not replace the Department of Education registration. Instead, it offers protection in case of legal challenges or misunderstandings involving:
- The Department of Education
- Social workers or welfare officers
- Schools or neighbours who report the family unfairly
Official website: 👉 https://pestalozzi.org/en/resources-for-home-education/
✅ What Support Does the Pestalozzi Trust Offer?
Families who join the Trust get:
- Legal defence if the Department or social services question their homeschooling
- Help responding to letters, school officials, or social workers
- Legal representation if needed
- Step-by-step guides to handle registration and common problems
- Templates for letters and documentation
- Peace of mind knowing someone is on their side
This is especially helpful for families who may be new to homeschooling or who do not yet feel confident in managing conflict with authorities.
🤔 What Does It Cost?
Membership is charged per family, not per child.
As of the most recent update, the fee is: R130 per month OR R1,560 per year (subject to change)
You can view their fees and register here: 👉 https://pestalozzi.org/en/join/
🧸 What About Grade R and Younger?
Children in Grade R and younger do not need to be registered with the Department of Education or the Pestalozzi Trust, but parents can still choose to join the Trust for extra protection and support.
This is especially useful if:
- The child will begin formal homeschooling in the next year or two
- The family has had past issues with a school or social worker
- The parents want to stay informed and confident
👩🏫 How Does This Help You as a Childcare Professional?
As a tutor, au pair, or homeschool teacher, you might be the one who notices if a family is feeling unsure or unsafe.
You can:
- Gently suggest the Pestalozzi Trust if parents seem anxious about legal stuff
- Share the website if they ask how to protect their rights
- Let them know the Trust is not mandatory, but very helpful
❤️ Final Note:
Registration with the Pestalozzi Trust is optional, but it gives families an extra layer of protection and confidence in their homeschooling journey. If a parent asks your opinion, let them know it’s a trusted organisation that helps make homeschooling smoother and more secure.
Costs and Salaries in Homeschooling
Homeschool Teacher Salaries
| Teacher Type | Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Home school Teacher (with degree/diploma/certificates) | R10,000 – R18,000 per month |
| Home school Teacher (without formal certificates) | R7,000 – R9,000 per month |
Additional Costs to Consider
- Curriculum and learning materials
- Educational resources and supplies
- Extracurricular activities and sports
- Assessment and testing fees
- Potential loss of second income if parent stays home
How The Au Pair Club Supports Homeschooling
Many caregivers and families are moving into the homeschooling space, and we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have proper support and training. 🤝
That’s why we’ve developed comprehensive resources to help both families and childcare providers succeed in home schooling.
Our Homeschooling Course
To better understand and support the homeschooling process, many of our childcare providers and parents have completed our homeschooling course.
⭐️ View: Home Schooling Course
Our comprehensive training covers everything from legal requirements to practical teaching methods, ensuring that anyone supporting a homeschooling family is well-prepared and confident. 😊
Parents are welcome too!
Connect with Qualified Homeschool Support
We operate a childcare platform that connects families directly with trained caregivers who understand the unique needs of homeschooling families.
Whether you’re looking for:
- Full-time homeschool au pairs
- Part-time educational support
- Specialised tutoring assistance
- Qualified homeschool teachers
All our caregivers must complete proper training to ensure they can provide the highest quality support for your family’s educational journey.
👩💼 Ready to find the right support?
Register with The Au Pair Club today so that our trained professionals can help make your homeschooling journey successful and rewarding.
Conclusion: Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?
Homeschooling represents a significant commitment that can provide incredible rewards for families willing to embrace the journey. It offers unparalleled flexibility, personalised education, and the opportunity to strengthen family bonds while providing quality education.
Whether you’re a parent considering this educational path or an au pair looking to support a homeschooling family, remember that success comes from understanding your unique situation, staying flexible, and focusing on each child’s individual needs 😊
The homeschooling journey isn’t always easy, but for many South African families, it proves to be one of the most rewarding decisions they’ve ever made. 🤝
With proper planning, legal compliance, and the right support network, homeschooling can provide your children with an exceptional educational foundation that serves them throughout their lives.
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