Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities

I fly under the radar. My local education authority know nothing about me or my children. Many people ask me if I am regular inspected or monitored in any way; sometimes I am asked it it is legal not to send my children to school. I am tempted to reply that it isn't and I'm on the run, but I am aware that being facetious does not aid communication.

I have been having a look at the Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities which were published in 2007.

I am surpirsed to find that they are really helpful. I think I will cut out the bits I like, laminate them and post them over my desk.

I frequently worry that I am not doing enough, that my children won't learn enough and that if the Local Authority ever discovered me, they would not be satisifed that I was educating my children enough. However, I have discovered, the Department for Children, Schools and Families has a pretty good handle on Home Ed. Apparently, my provision may be reasonably expected to include:

• consistent involvment of parents ... although not necessarily constantly ... involved in providing education.


• recognition of the child's needs, attitudes and aspiration


• opportunities for the child to be stimulated by their learning experiences
  
• Access to resourses/materials ... such as paper and pens ... and the opportunity for appropriate interaction with other children and other adults.
  

This is great - I do all this! (Although I'm not sure how anyone could not.) I don't even have to think about it, it's just what we do. There is also a list of what parents are not required to do. most of which I don't (like marking by children's work or giving formal lessons).

I have always felt a little apprehensive of what will happen if and when the Local Authority uncover me. However, if they have read the document and grapsed the ideas in in, I believe I have nothing whatsoever to fear. And if they have not read it, then I shall politely suggest that they do!