School placement crisis pushes parents to rethink early education options

AS THE new school year unfolds, thousands of South African families find themselves caught in the familiar annual scramble for school placements. For many parents, the uncertainty stretches well into the first term, leaving children without a classroom, a routine, or a clear start to their learning journey.

The impact is felt most sharply among younger learners. Children in the Foundation Phase thrive on structure and predictability, and prolonged delays in placement can disrupt not only academic progress but emotional well-being, too. While provincial education departments work through placement backlogs, parents are increasingly focused on one priority: ensuring their children’s education does not come to a standstill.

In this climate, homeschooling is no longer seen merely as a temporary fallback. For a growing number of families, it has become a proactive and intentional choice. The appeal lies in continuity and stability during a period often marked by anxiety and uncertainty.

Impaq, a leading provider in the South African home education space, has seen increased interest from parents seeking structured support rather than a do-it-yourself solution. Through guided lesson plans and the Optimi Learning Portal, families are able to follow a clear curriculum without the pressure of designing one themselves.

Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director at Optimi Schooling, which includes Impaq, says the early years are about more than meeting academic milestones. “The Foundation Phase sets the tone for a child’s relationship with learning,” she explains. “In an uncertain placement climate, children need stability and encouragement. When learning happens in a calm, consistent environment, the benefits last far beyond the early grades.”

A rushed or fragmented start to formal schooling can undermine a child’s confidence. Homeschooling, when supported by quality materials, allows learners to progress at their own pace, ask questions freely, and avoid the stress of falling behind while waiting for a school desk.

For working parents, structure is key. Impaq’s framework provides a clear weekly rhythm and tools to track progress, helping caregivers balance teaching with other responsibilities. Schoonwinkel stresses that homeschooling does not require parents to become professional teachers overnight. Instead, she says, success depends on partnering with a trusted provider offering a CAPS-aligned curriculum and ongoing support.

Those small, consistent gains, such as a child reading independently or confidently tackling a new concept, help build resilience and curiosity. Whether learners remain in home education long-term or transition back to a traditional school once placement is secured, that strong foundation remains.

For parents considering homeschooling, Schoonwinkel advises focusing on three essentials: choosing an established provider, understanding the legal and administrative requirements of home education in South Africa, and being realistic about daily capacity. Short, focused lessons, regular reading, and play-based movement are often more effective for younger children than long hours of screen-based learning.

While placement delays continue to challenge families across the country, many parents are choosing not to put their children’s development on pause. By creating a structured home learning environment, they are safeguarding educational momentum and giving their children a confident start to their schooling journey.