Freedom for Children to Grow

Youth Survey on DWP Proposals Via Youngscot.org

In 2008 this will apply when the youngest child is 12 and the Government is also gauging reactions to the notion that it should apply when the youngest child is 7.

The Government proposals will affect home educating lone parent families because the criterion for JSA is that the parent is eligible for paid work, must be actively seeking paid work, must apply for paid work, and must take up a job offer.

The deadline for completing the survey and for giving your views on the Government proposals is 31st October.

The questions are directed at 12-16 year olds. Young people don't have to register on the site or live in Scotland to take part.

This survey is significant because the Government is always saying that it wants to hear children's views.

There doesn't seem to have been any consideration of home education, since question 4 talks about "lone parents going to work while their children are in school" . The wording of this question is ambiguous in that it is not clear whether it means part time paid work "during the hours that children are in school", but the other questions about childcare would suggest that the Government is envisaging full time paid work. In any event, home educated young people can point out that they are not in school.

Here is the link for the survey.

This is what it says on the site:

2 Oct 2007 - 31 Oct 2007

Tell the Department for Work and Pensions what you think about lone parents working.

The Department for Work and Pensions is interested in understanding how young people (aged 12–16) in one parent families, feel about their parent going to work.

This is part of a consultation they are running about proposals to help more people find and stay in work.

Tell us what you think. Your replies are confidential and you do not have to tell us any personal details.

This consultation runs until 31st October 2007.

There are more details about the proposals at the website In work, better off.

Q1 What do you feel about your parent(s) going out to work?

I think it is important so that they can earn money to give me a good start in life.
I think it is important because it helps me to see that you benefit from working by getting paid
I'd prefer it if they stayed at home to be with me
Don't know

Q2 The Government thinks lone parents on benefit should look for work when their youngest child reaches the age of 12. What do you think ?

I think it's a good idea
I think it's a good idea but only if childcare is available
I don't think it's a good idea
I'm not sure

Q3 What would you think if the Government said that lone parents on benefits should look for work when their youngest child reaches the age of 7 ?

I think it's a good idea
I think it's a good idea but only if childcare is available
I don't think it's a good idea
I'm not sure

Q4 Use this space to tell us anything else you feel about lone parents going to work while their children are at school

NB You can also email the Department of Work and Pensions directly with your views on these proposals, including any feedback from home educated children. The address is welfare.reform@dwp.gsi.gov.uk and there is more information here.

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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