A Powys border primary school is the first in the area to offer flexi-schooling for children to spend part of the week in the classroom and the rest of it being educated at home.

Newcastle Church of England Primary School started offering the type of schooling this month which may be a better alternative to home education if parents wish to educate their child at home but cannot or do not want to do so full-time.

The idea of introducing flexi schooling at the Newcastle-on-Clun school was first suggested by a member of the community and existing parents a few months ago.

The school currently has fewer than 20 pupils on roll, taught in two mixed-aged classes and, earlier this year, retained its ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.

The school forms part of the Blue Hills Federation which also includes Clunbury CofE Primary School and St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Bucknell.

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The school's newly appointed lead teacher Chris Richards hopes the new arrangement, which he says "could be the best of both educational worlds”, will attract more pupils from home-school backgrounds.

"We can provide an exciting curriculum that will not only support children but enrich their social opportunities and personal development,” he said.

"We are also confident that the home-learning community can also bring valuable experiences, backgrounds and skill sets to our school.”

Head of the Blue Hills Federation Anna Cook said governors felt strongly that the school was "uniquely placed" to offer flexi schooling as an option after a lot of research and discussion with other settings.

"Our beautiful small school offers a warm, welcoming family feel which provides a rich and engaging curriculum; designed to meet the needs of all our children. We believe that we can provide an educational experience that allows each child the opportunity to flourish.

"Welcoming children, who are currently home educated on a part time basis, into our school family will enrich the experience of all children and further strengthen what is an amazing little school”.

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Barry Swancott, a member of the Blue Hills Federation Board of Governors said: “Flexi schooling has been around for a little while now but has not been formally available in this area until now. The concept is slowly becoming recognised as ‘a third way’, challenging the traditional approach of either full-time school or full-time home education.

"Many see it as an educational journey and experience more fitting for the 21st Century. It accommodates self-direction and co-creation and an altogether more personalised approach for both parents and children. It is an option which an increasing number of parents are finding attractive."

Mr Swancott added: “Governors and staff have spent a lot of time researching it, seeing for themselves how it works in other settings and determining if it is right for the school.

"It has been hugely successful in a similar school in north Shropshire for several years and governors are confident it will be a good fit for Newcastle. We all feel sure that it has the potential to greatly benefit children, their families, existing pupils, and the school in general.”

Parents who would like more information about flexi schooling at Newcastle Primary School, please contact lead teacher Chris Richards by sending an email at richards.c@bhf.shropshire.sch.uk or phone 01588 64026.