Elective Home Education

I am a qualified teacher but have chosen to home educate my children from the beginning.  Having worked in education for more than 20 years in both the state and private systems I came to the conclusion that our education system as it stands fails too many children and is not the optimal way for children to learn.  Children start formal education too young and there is too much pressure and testing within the system leading to a huge rise in mental health issues and special educational needs.  Break times have been cut or are withheld as punishments leading to poor socialisation and bullying.   In contrast, home education allows for personalised learning, better socialisation and a wider and less pressured education.

Last year I completed another government consultation on home education, the results of which have still not been shared.  This constant demand for information burdens home educators and takes our time away from our children.

A register for home educated children and inspections by the LA are not necessary and are also unlawful.  It is the parents’ duty, by law, to provide an education for their children. Local authorities already have powers to intervene should there be evidence of a safeguarding issue or lack of education.  Home educated children are not unseen, they simply do not go to school.  They do, however, attend groups, visit doctors and dentists, go to the shops with their parents, use public transport, visit museums and galleries and interact with the real world on a daily basis.

COVID 19 has affected home educated children in the same way it has affected all children.  They are still receiving an education but this is diminished by less social interaction and visits outside of the home.

If the government truly wants to help home educated children they should provide free access to GCSEs and A levels at exam centres around the country and stop the constant demand for information from their parents without following up on information already gained.