HomeSchooler.org.uk

"Diversity in Education is precious in a democracy
This is an open letter to The Guardian and The Times, intended for publication on January 11th 2010, which is the date of the second reading of the Children, Schools and Families Bill in the House of Commons.

If you agree with the letter, please complete the signature form before January 8th 2010 to add your name as a signatory.

If you are a member of a home educating family, please contact people outside the home education community and ask them to add their signatures to yours, so that the list of signatories will reflect the widespread opposition to Schedule 1, from people in all walks of life.

The letter
We believe that Schedule 1 of the Children Schools and Families Bill represents an unacceptable imposition of state control over families. Although it is aimed at children educated outside the school system,
it has implications for all families.

Most parents would not make home-based education their first choice; but any family might need it if school seriously failed their child. Currently, this choice is lawfully available to all parents. If enacted, the Bill would – for the first time – transfer responsibility for a child’s education from the parents to the state. We believe this is a matter which should be of great concern to everyone."...read full letter here