Freedom for Children to Grow

Graham Badman's Independent Review of Home Education

Useful Links

The Law

"94. Local authorities can insist on seeing a home educated child if there is cause for concern about the child's safety and welfare (section 47 of the Children Act 1989). Where there are concerns about the child's safety and welfare, Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures must be followed."

See also Appendix 2 of the guidance entitled "Relevant Legislation."

"In a letter dated 19 June 2007 that I received from the then Under-Secretary in the Department, Lord Adonis, he made it clear that under section 47 of the Children Act 1989 the powers already exist to intervene in cases in which the state believes that a child may suffer harm. I agree with the hon. Gentleman. The state already has the powers to intervene where it suspects that harm may be going on."
Andrew George MP during Mark Field's parliamentary debate on home education June 2009.

• Education and Skills Act 2008

• Government Guidelines on Home Education for Local Authorities November 2007

• Education and Inspection Act 2006

• Pupil Registration Regulations 2006

• Children Act 2004

• Education Act 2002

• Education Act 1996

• Children Act 1989

• DCSF Press Notice announcing the Badman Review January 2009

• Terms of Reference for the Review

• Badman Review Questionnaire January to February 2009

• DCSF website page on Children Missing Education, including link to revised statutory guidance January 2009

• Education Otherwise press release on the Badman Review January 2009

• Notes from meeting between Education Otherwise and Graham Badman February 2009

• Education Otherwise written response to the Badman Review

• Notes from meeting between Education Otherwise and Graham Badman March 2009

• Education Otherwise Prospectus for Improving Support to Home Educating Families

• Child rights information network. Includes legal analysis and information about case law

• House of Lords debate on Apprenticeships Bill June 2009, Lord Lucas asks Baroness Morgan whether home education clause will be added to the Bill (5.25 pm and 9.30 pm)

• Mark Field MP debate on home education in the House of Commons June 2009

• DCSF website Badman Review Report June 2009, including links to Graham Badman's Review of Elective Home Education; Secretary of State's letter to Graham Badman June 2009; written ministerial statement on the Badman Review June 2009.

• Bernard Trafford, Chair Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference defends home education and outs himself as a former home educating parent.

• "How can a child left to direct their own education possibly knuckle down to hard work and fulfil their potential?"

• Roland Meighan personal response to the Badman Report

• Links to research on home education outcomes, including Paula Rothermel.

• Primary Review, Cambridge University. Alternative Education.
  Cambridge University Primary Review February 2008 Primary Futures. This academic report considers the evidence base for educational alternatives. "Studies of home schooled children show clear and substantial evidence of high (and above average) performance." "One constant in the midst of much complexity is the better than average performance of home schooled children when compared to age cohorts in the general population."

• Lord Lucas blog

• EO video: interview with Lord Lucas July 2009

• Select Committee Inquiry into the Badman Review, deadline September 22nd

• DCSF consultation on registration and monitoring proposals. Deadline October 19th.

Food for Thought: Home Education for Teenagers In the News The DCSF thinks school is the best place for children. Here at Education Otherwise Campaign Website, we beg to differ Iris Harrison's HE Diary Press Enquiries

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