HomeSchooler.org.uk

Thank you to Adele for the following. Originally posted on the AE-UK Yahoo Group:

I find it interesting to note the differences between the wording in the review report and that of the consultation document. It seems that people have many different ideas about the twelve month plan/statement of intent, so it might be worth considering what is meant by that. Also interesting to look at is the thing about seeing the child alone.

With ref to the plans/statement of intent:

The Report Recommendation 1 says:

"National guidance should be issued on the requirements of registration and be made available online and at appropriate public buildings. Such guidance must include a clear statement of the statutory basis of elective home education and the rights and responsibilities of parents."

AND THEN

"At the time of registration parents/carers/ guardians must provide a clear statement of their educational approach, intent and desired/planned outcomes for the child over the following twelve months."

AND THEN

"Guidance should be issued to support parents in this task with an opportunity to meet local authority officers to discuss the planned approach to home education and develop the plan before it is finalised. The plan should be finalised within eight weeks of first
registration. "

AND THEN (note *immediately following on from the previous paragraphs* so presumably referring to the "support" and "guidance" in preparing the plan as *a requirement of registration* ):

"As well as written guidance, support should encompass advice from a range of advisers and organisations, including schools. Schools should regard this support as a part of their commitment to extended schooling."

If, as stated here, the plan is written under guidance that forms **a requirement for registration* * and with "support" from schools as part of their "commitment to extended schooling", and not registering would be a criminal offence... Well, I don't think a simple statment about supporting our children in following their interests would be accepted...

*The consultation* says:

In the part headed "The Proposals. Register of Home Educated Children":

2.1 "The scheme described in the review is one where education and safeguarding issues are both considered as part of the registration process, with an initial statement of educational intent forming the basis for subsequent educational monitoring arrangements. "

(note the last bit!)

and

2.3 "Regulations will specify the information that parents must provide which is likely to be child's name, date of birth, address, the same information for adults with parental responsibility; a statement of approach to education, and the location where education is conducted if not the home"

Now... By "statement of approach to education" do they actually mean "statement of educational intent forming the basis for subsequent educational monitoring arrangements" as per 2.1? Would these "regulations" include Mr Badman's "guidance" as described above?

The differences between the wording in the report and that of the consultation are interesting.

Even more interesting is the difference between

Review report rec 7:

"...have the right to speak with each child alone if deemed appropriate or, if a child is particularly vulnerable or has particular communication needs, in the company of a trusted person who is not the home educator or the parent/carer. "

and

2.6 of consultation document:

"The local authority should have the right to carry out the interview without a parent being present, if this is judged appropriate, or alternatively if the child is vulnerable or has particular communication needs, in the company of a trusted person who is not the home educator or parent/carer. "

Biiiiig difference between **alone** and "without a parent present".

The wording in the consultation is generally softer than the wording in the review. Why? Do they intend to implement slightly more moderate versions of Graham Badman's recommendations but haven't said so? Or do they intend to implement the recommendations as written and are being very careful about how they word them in order to make it easier to get them through?

I think this is noteworthy.