HomeSchooler.org.uk

We should not be surprised that schools are the latest instrument for checking up on families, says Bernard Trafford

It is commonplace now to talk about the surveillance society. One agency after another becomes part of the mechanism, so we should not be surprised that schools are the latest instrument for checking up on families.

Bowing to pressure after the succession of child abuse cases that has the media screaming for action, and policymakers devising ever more layers of safeguarding procedures, the government has asked Graham Badman - chair of Haringey's safeguarding children board, replacing Sharon Shoesmith, sacked after the Baby P inquiry - to review the safeguarding and support of home-educated children. A recent article in the Independent quoted the children's minister, Delyth Morgan: "If there are problems, we have to look at the evidence. Home-education is a small but important part of keeping children properly safe.".....more...