The Badman review calls for a new definition of what constitutes a suitable and efficient education: “Recommendation 2 That the DCSF review the current statutory definition of what constitutes a “suitable” and “efficient” education in the light of the Rose review of the primary curriculum, and other changes to curriculum assessment and [Continue]

Apparently the new measures proposed aren’t going to cost anything significant, and the recommendations that would cost money (essential the only ones that might have given something back to HEers) don’t appear to be on the radar any time soon.  Here are two statements relating to funding: “I accept all the recommendations in your report [Continue]

This is a no-brainer for some local authorities.  How can we possibly ensure all children are safe if we can’t see them?  How can we possibly ensure the child’s voice is heard if we can’t talk to them? I think this point of view comes from a misunderstanding of legislation, a misunderstanding of children’s rights, [Continue]

Alternative title: Nanny knows best I have mentioned previously that the evidence base for Badman’s recommendations is missing. So what is the driving force behind the proposed legislation? There has been pressure from some LEAs on the government to give them extra powers so the can ensure all children meet the 5 Every Child Matters [Continue]

Some people may respond to home educators complaining about the proposed legislation with a question: “What’s wrong with it?”. That’s an understandable position, but I think it’s the wrong approach. When government proposes new legislation we should in fact be asking “What’s right with it?”. Government should not be about new [Continue]

So today is our structured day. We’ve got geometry maths group here from 11-1 and then art from 2 until we finish. the earlier part of the morning is usually taken up with cooking something for the group, reading, music practice, tidying up and nail painting. Do you know even nail paining can be educational? [Continue]

… we know our children’s abilities and how they improve why should we be constantly having to prove that they have progressed. Take Rebekah for an example. last week at camp (there will definitely be Corfe camp pictures and blogging soon) Rebekah went Kayaking. She hadn’t done it since last year and this year she [Continue]

Well there was more education going on at dinner time, but oh no it was unplanned so doesn’t count! So the sausages, there were two left and four people who wanted to have the sausages. So each person needed half a sausage. Fractions for Jonathan! So what’s Ruth doing, how can this possibly be educational? [Continue]

I have been wondering how on earth to coherently blog about the Badman review and the proposed government legislation announced immediately it was accepted by government. The trouble is, it’s tricky to communicate the full enormity of the can of worms this opens, not just for home educators, but for education more broadly, and for [Continue]

And obviously, because my children are home educated, they won’t get one! Or maybe they will…….. just by following their interests, engaging in purposive conversation and leading their everyday lives. Hey Badman, leave those kids alone! So here we have Martin and Rebekah discussing the Home-ed situation in Germany in advance of [Continue]