A Scottish council is discussing a radical shake-up of the way pupils are educated under a part-time schooling plan.
So-called “flexi-schooling” is to be debated by Aberdeenshire Council after requests from parents.
The move would allow parents to limit the number of days their children spend in school and combine class-based lessons with alternative provision such as outdoor learning or home schooling.
North Kincardine councillor Alison Evison prompted the authority to debate the issue after being approached by parents.
Read more: How would flexi-schooling work?
She admitted the option would be a “radical departure” from traditional schooling, but said there were potential benefits.
Mrs Evison said: “We should always aim to get it right for every child.
“It is apparent that such educational programmes have not been given detailed consideration within Aberdeenshire, providing headteachers with few guidelines as to how to respond to such requests.
“At the heart of any consideration must be what is best for each individual child and effective communication to this end between home and school.”
In a report to the committee, the council said: “Ultimately this is something which would need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis and is not something the education authority can provide a blanket answer to.
"The ultimate decision will depend on the proposal put forward and the overall costs involved.”
Several local authorities in Scotland currently permit the practise, subject to application, but its use is not widespread.
In the Highlands, 12 children were registered as flexi-schooled in 2018. The number of home schooled children in the UK has risen by 50% in the last four years, with 48,000 currently taught at home.
Read more: The top 50 state schools in Scotland
Perceived advantages include parents spending more time with their children and a more bespoke education better suited to the child's needs, particulalry if they are vulnerable or have additional support needs.
Critics argue the can lead to resentment from peers who do not have to attend school five days a week.
Council education officers said it could have an effect on the child’s attainment, especially if they are not taught in the same way the school teaches in preparation for assessments and exams.
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