We received a petition asking:

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to reject the Report to the Secretary of State on the Review of Elective Home Education in England by Graham Badman.”

Details of Petition:

“This report is a totally disproportionate response to a ‘perceived’ problem full of unsubstantiated allegations that home educated children are more at risk than those at school. This is simply not true and enacting the recommendations in this report would establish the state as parent of first resort. To allow LA staff access to private homes to interview children without their parents when there is no reason to suspect abuse is outrageous.”

· Read the petition
· Petitions homepage

Read the Government’s response

The Government has always been clear that parents should retain the right to educate their children at home. Most home educators do an excellent job but we can’t afford to let any child slip through the net – in terms of their education, or safety.

The recommendations set out by Badman are proportionate and reasonable. Most developed countries require registration to home educate, with the majority also having a process of systematic monitoring. It is only right we afford our own children and young people the same checks and balances.

The report found significant flaws in the current arrangements for ensuring that home educated children are receiving their educational entitlement and recommended strengthening the system.  It also presented a persuasive case for providing home educators with greater support, particular those whose children have special educational needs.

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