http://www.natsoc.org.uk/schools/electivehomeeducation.docx

There is also a survey being done of home educated young people to see what they have to say. Here are the details below!

Graham Badman claimed that his report was about balancing the rights of
children against the rights of the parents. Personally, I think it was
about balancing the (self decided) rights of government versus the rights of
families - and the balance has shifted their way.

I have put together a brief survey for home educated young people to
complete if they would like, as a way of actually asking the children what
THEY think about this issue. Any home educated child can take part.

The survey doesn't collect any identifiable data, and there is an option to
say whether or not they would like their answers collated and sent to DCSF
or not.

Please consider sending this link as far and as wide as you possibly can so
that our children can make their views known.

I don't expect government to listen - but we can get the media to listen to
the results I'm sure.

The link is:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=7FN02SW4ktRkEvwLtk0BWg_3d_3d

The survey closes on 30th June.

If you want to contact DCFS directly to state your view here is some information on the best numbers to use.

If you are trying to ring DCSF to make a comment, complaint or whatever
about the Report, the alternative to the 0870/0845 number is:

01928 794446

If you require a paper copy of the "Home Education - registration and
monitoring proposals" consultation to be posted to you (at cost to the
DCSF...) then the number to call is:

01623 724503

Please pass on freely :0)

One of the things I found surprising and encouraging is that he has recommended that there be a group of home educating parents in each LA used for consultation on how this should be implemented. (See recommendation number 4) As far as I can see this is giving us a voice in the process and in the future of how it all plays out!

This is our chance to make sure that things are done without too much restriction. As Christians we should be the first ones standing up for such jobs! We can see in the States how when registration was put in place the Christians stood up and were counted in holding these positions and in shaping legislation. And in America the Home schooling population is HUGE now 30 years on. Also, because they used their voice - they didn't loose their rights!

He also clearly states that 'parents raise children not the government'! At least someone has finally admitted that.

Yes, there are a few things in the document that are a bit fuzzy and a few points that I would prefer someone to clarify for me. However on the whole, I was still fearing MUCH worse! So that is the cause of my celebratory attitude!

They have also given way for schools materials to be available, cheap music lessons, libraries, sports facilities, and help for special students. And yes, I know that all of these things will have some strings attached - but for many parents this is still a good thing.

My family have been inspected by two LA's over the space of five years now and have had VERY positive experiences. So, I know what it is like to have them in my home. We have never hid what we are doing, but rather be happy to shout from the mountain tops. 'We home educate! Come and see what a great job we are doing!' and they have never found a single thing to complain about.

They have also recommended that all inspectors should be trained in how home education works and what it looks like. They should also use home educating parents to help do this training! I have heard for years how so many inspectors don't know what they are doing and they should be trained. Well, now they will be! AND we get to help with the training! That has to be a victory!

We also have a chance to respond in a consultation. I would encourage everyone to do this. However I would also encourage everyone to be polite and tempered in thier responses since I doubt that rude and angry comments are going to do our cause very much good! Many home educators have taken their children out of school to remove them from bullying situations. So having home educating parents use bullying language and comments to the DCFS doesn't exactly put them at ease that the children are safer now - does it? It also makes us look like hot heads and people who can't make an articulate argument. All things that don't help our cause any.

So, even if you have to tell them that you flatly disagree with all of the report - please do it politely and firmly. It will help the cause more that way. Here is the link to the consultation below and please note that they have given us till October 19th to respond - so there is time to formulate our response.

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1643&external=no&menu=1

Let's stand up and be counted now and make a difference. Let's show the LA's that home education does work - and that it works well. Let's blow their socks off with the great job we are doing. I would remind every one that 'A gentle answer turns away wrath'. And sometimes being accountable is a good thing.

I'll keep you posted as any more important information arises. There are many other blog posts, websites and facebook groups popping up all over the place to scream about the report, but I'll let you find those for yourselves and just post up the important links like the consultation and where to read the document for yourselves. - Deedee