HomeSchooler.org.uk

In principle I support the right of parents to educate their own children but there are caveats. As in all arguments of this nature they tend to be based on extremes; all home-based learning is good while schools cannot provide a child-centred education. Your philosophy appears to be based on an idealised model. From my experience of working in inner city and local authority residential schools where many children were in care or in families fragmented by prison and desertion resulting in them spending much of their lives on the street as part of gangs, this is probably not the type of home based learning you envisage. For some it is very effective and they learn to survive and even flourish but for most their lives are seriously damaged. Experiential learning per se is not always a good thing. In addition, I challenge your view that autonomous learning is synonymous with home learning. Autonomous learning is an attitude of mind coupled with personal skills not a socio-geographical location. It is possible for schools to create a culture in which autonomous learning can develop. Admittedly it is a challenge but one we have to accept if we are to enable children to participate fully in their future adult and working life.