HomeSchooler.org.uk

"Dear xxxxx,

Thank you for contacting me about the review on Home Education. I find it incredible that the Government held yet another consultation on the issue of home education. This is now the fourth consultation in as many years; with the latest guidelines, prior to the Badman Report, having only been issued in 2007.

My colleagues in the education team raised a number of concerns about the latest consultation, most notably that the Department for Children, Schools and Families tried to imply that home education was being used as a cover for child abuse. I find this offensive to those parents who often have to make a very difficult decision about withdrawing their child from school. I also find it inconceivable that the Department has not provided any evidence for linking home education and child abuse, other than saying it is yet "another unknown".

I believe it is essential that every child in this country receives a first-class education and one that is suitable to their needs; to achieve that, parents should have the right to choose the education system that best serves their child and home schooling should be included in this choice. Parents, who make that choice, should be entitled to the same presumption of innocence and competence that school going children's parents receive, unless evidence dictates otherwise.

The proposals made in the Badman Review are now being put to a consultation by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which will close on 19 October. Given the strength of feeling that you have about this issue, I would recommend responding to the consultation which can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations. I will also be sure to bear your comments in mind during future debates about this issue. Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Christopher Fraser MP"