What to Expect During Home schooling Visits from the Department of Basic Education (DBE)

As a home schooling parent, the idea of a visit from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) might feel a bit daunting. However, these visits are an essential part of ensuring that your child’s education is on track and aligned with the educational standards. This blog post will help you understand what to expect during these visits, so you can feel prepared and confident.

Timing of the Visits

The DBE typically schedules home visits for home schooling families at specific times during the year. If you’ve registered your child for home schooling, it’s likely that you will receive a notification about an upcoming visit. These visits are usually planned well in advance, giving you enough time to prepare.

Purpose of the Visit

The primary purpose of the

visit is to assess the educational environment and ensure that your child is receiving a quality education that meets national standards. The visit allows the DBE to:

• Review your home schooling setup, including the learning space and resources.

• Evaluate the progress your child is making.

• Ensure that the curriculum you’re following is appropriate and comprehensive.

The Portfolio File

One of the key components the DBE will look at during their visit is your child’s portfolio file. This file is a record of your child’s work and progress throughout the home schooling period. Here’s what you should include in the portfolio:

• Lesson Plans: A detailed outline of what has been taught, including subjects, topics, and learning objectives.

• Completed Work: Samples of your child’s work, including assignments, tests, projects, and any other relevant material that showcases their learning.

• Progress Reports: Periodic reports that highlight your child’s academic progress, strengths, and areas that may need improvement.

• Assessments: Records of any assessments conducted, along with the results and any feedback provided.

• Extracurricular Activities: Documentation of any additional activities your child is involved in, such as sports, arts, or other interests.

Having a well-organized portfolio file not only demonstrates your child’s progress but also reflects your dedication to their education. It’s important to keep this file up to date and ready for review.

Jane, a home schooling mom from Johannesburg, recalls her first DBE visit: "I was nervous at first, but once I realized the visit was more about support than scrutiny, I felt more at ease. The official was friendly, and the feedback was incredibly helpful in refining our home schooling approach."

If you find the task of organizing your portfolio file overwhelming, you're not alone. Many parents feel the same way, which is why having professional assistance can make a world of difference.

What Happens During the Visit?

During the DBE visit, expect the following:

1. Discussion with Parents: The visiting official will likely start with a discussion with you. They’ll ask about your home schooling approach, the curriculum you’re using, and how you manage your child’s education on a daily basis.

2. Review of the Portfolio: The official will review your child’s portfolio file to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of the education being provided.

3. Interaction with the Student: The DBE representative may also have a brief conversation with your child to understand their perspective on home schooling, their favorite subjects, and their learning experience.

4. Feedback: After the review, the DBE official will provide feedback. This may include suggestions for improvement or commendations for what you’re doing well. Feedback from the DBE might range from suggestions for enhancing your curriculum to commendations for effective teaching methods. It’s important to view this feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, if the DBE recommends incorporating more assessments, you could explore different types of evaluations that align with your child’s learning style.

How We Can Help

Preparing for a DBE visit doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you need help creating lesson plans, organizing registers, or compiling the portfolio file, we offer comprehensive home schooling packages tailored to your needs. Our services ensure that your portfolio is not just complete but also showcases your child’s achievements in the best possible light.

Tips for a Successful Visit

• Be Prepared: Make sure your portfolio file is up to date and all necessary documents are organized and easy to access.

• Be Honest: If there are challenges you’re facing, be open about them. The DBE is there to help and can offer resources or advice to improve your home schooling experience.

• Stay Calm: Remember, the visit is not an inspection to catch you out; it’s an opportunity to ensure that your child is getting the best possible education.

Call to Action

As the time for DBE visits approaches, take the opportunity to organize your portfolio and review your homeschooling practices. If you feel overwhelmed or simply want to ensure that your child’s portfolio is top-notch, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our homeschooling packages and how we can support you in providing the best education for your child.