MacGregor, a former primary school headteacher turned home educator and founder of Wild Walker Academy. MacGregor shares her journey from the bureaucratic environment of UK state schools to the liberating world of home education, shedding light on the benefits and challenges of each.

From Classroom to Home Education

Rachael elaborates on her extensive teaching background, including her years leading a school through its improvement journey. Her passion for child development, sparked by observing her younger sisters, led her to a career in education. However, the constraints and pressures of the system, particularly constant inspections and assessments, prompted her transition to homeschooling her own children.

Challenges within the School System

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the impact of inspections, notably by Ofsted, on schools and teachers. MacGregor highlights the pressure schools face to meet specific educational and bureaucratic standards, which can stifle creativity and innovation. She notes how these pressures can trickle down to affect children, impeding individualised learning.

The Power of Nature in Learning

A pivotal element of her educational philosophy is her focus on outdoor learning. Through Wild Walker Academy, she aims to empower parents to educate their children in natural environments, integrating subjects like maths and science with hands-on activities. Rachael emphasises the emotional and physical benefits of this approach, noting its potential to re-engage disengaged learners.

Challenging Misconceptions

MacGregor tackles common misconceptions about home education, stressing that one doesn't need to be a trained teacher to successfully educate at home. Similarly, she challenges the perception that conventional schools have ultimate control, urging parents to become more involved and informed about their children's education.

The Future of Home Education

Looking ahead, she expresses her commitment to homeschooling her children as long as it serves their needs. She voices concerns over certain restrictive policies in traditional schools, advocating for a more flexible, child-centred approach to learning.

Whilst comparing institutional schooling with home education, MacGregor provides unique insight into mainstream schools, which act as valuable insights for parents considering alternative paths for their children's learning journeys.