Thank you for your e-petition.

One of the key principles underpinning The Children’s Plan published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families is that the government does not bring up children – parents do. The review of home education does not threaten a parent’s right to educate their child at home.

However, there is always a balance to be struck between respecting the rights of parents, and ensuring that local authorities (LAs) and other agencies have the right systems in place to intervene where it is necessary for them to do so. LAs tell us that they have particular concerns about being able to fulfil their responsibilities in the case of home educated children. We must find out what is behind those concerns and make sure that the arrangements are fit for purpose.

The welfare and protection of all children, both those who attend school and those who are educated at home, are of paramount concern. The independent review of home education is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the safeguarding arrangements for all children, whatever their background or circumstances.

So LAs, or rather a minority of unelected, unaccountable LA employees with axes to grind and empires to build, have told the government that they’re not happy and want more power. Their word is apparently all that’s needed? OMG the LAs aren’t happy! How can central government possibly ignore the wishes of local government … oh, hang on, they don’t usually have a problem with that.

A cynical person might think that LA whining is a convenient excuse not the real reason. The same cynical person probably thinks that the Review is a stitch-up and this ‘answer’ is as predictable as it is pathetic.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 @ 14:49