HomeSchooler.org.uk

The ASCL submission was very pro school but did include a real criticism of teh
consultative process:
'The process of this consultation is not satisfactory, with its insistence on an
online response, its limited number of leading questions and its discouragement of a
considered response'

We know this but its good they noticed too.

Also when speaking of an increase in LA powers they say:
'these powers should not be taken to an extent that LA officers intervene in detail in the education of home educated children (even supposing they had the capacity to do so).'

Thanks to Cintha of the Badman Review Action Group for the link and commentary.

The BHA is committed to the principle of a state education system that is inclusive of all children and
families whatever their beliefs, ethnic or cultural background, disabilities, sexual orientation or social
class. We believe that for the vast majority of children the most appropriate form of education will be
attendance at a local community school, where children from a wide variety of backgrounds can learn
and play together on equal terms. It should be noted that this is the current situation in Britain, as over 90% of students attend state schools and only an estimated 55,000 (under 1%) are home educated...more...

A few positive bits left out (thanks to poster on the Badman Review Action Group):

'Although we believe that inclusive community schools are the appropriate learning environment for
most children, we accept that parents have the human right to educate their children in accordance
with their religious or philosophical beliefs and that home education is one way to meet this
requirement. We also acknowledge that for a wide variety of reasons, including bullying, special needs and difficulties accessing an appropriate school, some families feel that they need to home educate their children. We therefore believe that it is important not to undermine the principle of home education,including arrangements that do not follow a "school type" curriculum, that do not result in formal qualifications or that are delivered by parents or others who are not themselves formally qualified.'

and (possibly positive...):
'We agree that the Every Child Matters outcomes are appropriate to home educated children and
believe that home educated children can—and frequently do—achieve all five outcomes.'

"The fact of the matter is that no one agrees with this review. I strongly suggest that you do not engage with this consultation.

Answering the previous consultations did not result in government listening to the concerns of Home Educators and then acting on them, and this one will be no different. This consultation must be boycotted by Home Educators. By engaging with it, you give legitimacy to the state; legitimacy that it has completely lost. If you answer this consultation, they will be able to say that Home Educators were consulted, allowing them to portray themselves as reasonable and fair, no matter what it is they are doing."

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ahedmembers/
This is a private yahoo group, you will need to join to read the message.
Wendy kindly posts her example of a possible response to the consultation.

PDF for download - his immediate response to the report

"AHEd have responded to public consultation which is part of the government review of home education.

Despite this consultation being on the DCSF official e-consultation web site, the DCSf are denying that it is a consultation and claiming that it is therefore not subject to the usual regulations and guidance on best practice governing public consultations set by the Better Regulation Executive. Sadly this means that the consultation will not have reached enough home educators and there has been limited time in which to respond...."