A SCHOOL is set to offer a new, flexible form of schooling for its pupils.

Asby Endowed School in Appleby is offering its children the opportunity to work part of the week at school and part at home.

According to school leaders, it will become one of only two schools in the local area offering a ‘flexi-school’ provision.

For the current fulltime children, and for any new pupils that would prefer to attend school Monday to Friday, the school will continue to provide a complete curriculum.

And headteacher Michelle Clark said the timetable for the children currently at the school will remain completely unchanged.

Flexi-schooling is a new approach to education whereby a child is registered at school but attends only part time.

For the rest of the week, they are home educated under the supervision of their parents or guardians.

“Our school acknowledges that every child, and family, is different,” said Ms Clark.

Ms Clark 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,” she said.

“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.

“First and foremost, the child benefits from this model of education. While at school, children have access to experienced, specialist educators and enjoy access to a wide range of resources.

“Even though Asby Endowed School is a small school, we are proud of our outstanding lessons and benefit from an unusually wide range of learning resources.

“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.

“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 pandemic, many parents have realised that flexi-schooling is the right approach for them and their child.”

Ms Clark said flexi-schooling is particularly well-adapted to small rural schools like Asby.

“Because of its size, the school benefits from a family atmosphere and an excellent working relationship with both children and families,” she said.

“This stands us in particularly good stead to adapt to the needs of every child and family that joins the Asby Endowed School family.”

The school is holding an open morning for prospective families on Saturday, July 2 between 10am and 12pm.

Or people can contact Ms Clark on 017683 51154 or email head@asby.cumbria.sch.uk or visit www.asby.cumbria.sch.uk