January 30, 2021

Should I use an All-in-One Curriculum Bundle?

Kirsty James Grade based curriculum packages offer a level of security which feels reassuring, but they have some significant drawbacks.The majority of these products are either books designed for schools, or programs for home educators which follow the Australian Curriculum. In some states, HE (home education) families have to follow this curriculum, and as HE numbers have grown, companies have seen a market opportunity. […]
October 8, 2018

Single Home Educators & Centrelink

You may be eligible for: Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B. Once your child reaches the minimum school starting age for your state, if you are geographically isolated, your child has specific learning needs or medical issues (including anxiety, depression, bullying, family trauma, ill parent), you may be eligible for Assistance for Isolated Children a substantial payment which not income or assets tested and does not […]
October 8, 2018

Partnered Home Educators & Centrelink

Partnered home educators may be eligible for: Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B. Once your child reaches the minimum school starting age for your state, if you are geographically isolated, your child has specific learning needs or medical issues (including anxiety, depression, bullying, family trauma, ill parent), you may be eligible for Assistance for Isolated Children a substantial payment which is not income or assets tested […]
September 7, 2018

Assistance for Isolated Children

Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) FAQ   What is the AIC payment? Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) is a Centrelink group of payments for parents and carers of children who can’t go to a local government school because of geographical isolation, disability or other needs. It is a significant payment available to some home educators, but it is not a ‘homeschool payment’. There are […]
September 2, 2018

Home Ed, Centrelink and Kids Aged 16+

If parents are receiving Jobseeker or Family Tax Benefit, they may lose it when their youngest child turns 16, but not everyone does. Jobseeker Once the youngest child turns 16, the automatic exemption from the Mutual Obligation Requirements ceases. You may still be eligible for an exemption but if so, you will receive the lower level of Jobseeker (not the higher level you received previously). […]
August 27, 2018

Help for Low Income Families

If you’re looking for help with managing your child’s education costs, the Saver Plus program could help. Saver Plus provides individuals and families on lower incomes the opportunity to have their savings matched dollar-for-dollar (up to $500) to pay for education costs. Find out more about your eligibility and how to apply by phoning 1300 610 355 or visit the Saver Plus website  
October 4, 2016

Ending is Better than Mending

Schooling and Commercialism By Susan Wight Early Australian society needed, and indeed the land itself demanded, that people be frugal, self-sacrificing and hard-working. This was a time when there was nothing to spare. Possessions were few and were confined to absolute necessities. In order to survive people had to be resourceful and independent – they had to make and do for themselves. Even early […]
June 1, 2016

Mr Micawber’s Lesson

Financial Education at Home By Rob Wight   If teaching your children about money has been on your “to do” list for some time, don’t delay any more – now is the time to act, no matter how old they are Given we spend so much time with our children, I believe home educators often have the best opportunity to lead the discussion about […]
September 2, 2015

Home ed on a budget

By Sue Wight It doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg So you’ve decided to home educate, but now you are worried about how you will ever afford all of those flashy curriculum resources, especially if home education means living on one income as it does for most families. The good news is that home education does not have to be expensive. You […]