About Zena
Zena Hodgson
HPD, DSFH, CNHC (reg), MNCH (reg), AfSFH (reg), MNCP"I'm passionate about empowering people, helping them to live better lives"As well as home educating our 3 children throughout their “school years”, I have also had the pleasure of helping countless numbers of other families with their home educating journeys. Since 2008 I have run a support website for families in the South West of England and have taken an active role in the home education community; running activities at groups and camps, and acting as liaison between EHE families and Local Authority.I continue to strive to develop better understanding and support for the home education community, by working constructively with other organisations, local authorities and other professional agencies - aiming to bridge the gap between officialdom and families.I have also been proactive nationally:• Given evidence to Government Committees on the subject of Elective Home Education• Trustee & support advisor at Home Education Centre 2007 – 2015• APPG Elective Home Education March 2012: Access to FE for home-educated children from 14-16 years• Chair of Alternative Education & Home Schoolers’ strand of Reimagining Further Education 2017 Conference: Transformation• Guest lecturer for students on Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning, and BA Hons Childhood studies at Petroc College, Devon, 2024• Spoken at a variety of other conferences and learning exchanges focused on Elective Home Education.Qualified:Clinical Hypnotherapist & PsychotherapistSenior Youth Work Practitioner - have designed and delivered a range of projects and workshops for young people both in and outside of mainstream education.As part of my ongoing professional development, I have had training in:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
- Caring for Vulnerable Children.
West End wonders with my self-directed teen
..."What has a flashback to our day in London got to do with our home education?
It is a reminder of how much fun learning can be, helping our children prepare for their independence in the adult world"... read more
Are your seedlings thriving or just surviving?
..."All plants need full sunshine, don't they? It is such a privilege to be able to immerse in the warmth of the sunshine, surrounded by the vibrancy of nature's colourful bounty, my nose filled with their heady bouquet. Accompanied by the chorus of birds announcing the arrival of longer days..." read more
School related anxiety and home educating through Covid-19
..."Why you might want to consider continuing with home education after lockdown.