MOTHER-OF-FOUR Frances quit her job as a teacher when her son Ben's food intolerance became so severe he could no longer cope in school.

She gave up her career and dedicated her life to teaching him – and his two sisters – herself.

Six years on, the 34-year-old says the choice to home-school her fourth child, Zachary, is an easy one – even if it leaves her further short of money.

Frances said: "Being taught at home has given them a really strong foundation and, in my opinion, a better education.

"When I gave up work we lost an income, but I feel the benefits far outweigh the headaches."

Frances first chose to teach her own children because her son Ben, 9, was diagnosed with fructose malabsorption as a toddler.

The digestive condition means he cannot eat most types of fruit and vegetables, or enjoy cakes and biscuits like other children.

This made him tired, exhausted and, at times, seriously ill.

Frances said: "I wanted him to try school because all his friends were starting and it was the normal thing for a boy of his age to do."

But after less than a year at Gresham Primary School, in Sanderstead, Frances realised Ben was unable to cope with full-time education.

The former teacher told the Advertiser: "At school they are on the go a lot and that is something he struggles to cope with.

"Once he reached Year 1 they wanted him to go full-time and he just couldn't manage it.

"He was ill and missed a lot of school. He struggled to cope and didn't have any quality of life. When he came home he didn't have the energy to do anything other than go to bed.

"In the end we made the decision that it made more sense for him to be taught at home.

"A month or two later and I could really see the difference in him."

The flexible education on offer at home, which is structured around his need to sleep for long periods of the day, had such a positive effect on Ben's life that Frances decided to teach his sisters Rhianna, 7, and Abigail, 5, too.

The dedicated mum has now transformed her home in Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead, into a classroom, with her children taught everything from geography to maths.

Frances admits that, even with the support of her husband Angus, she has had to sacrifice more than just her career.

She said: "I don't have expensive holidays and if we do go away, it's just a trip to see the relatives.

"We don't have any spare money so when it comes to clothes, I don't buy anything new.

"We have to watch every penny.

"We're so happy with how it has gone, I'm not even considering sending my youngest to school."