Centralisation of Education - Threat to Independence in the UK

[Shoshana]

The Law relating to elective home education is currently under Reivew in England, claiming that the lack of State registration is a legal "loophole" which allows child abuse to go undetected. Despite finding no evidence to support this claim, the recommendations made by the Review's leader, Mr. Graham Badman, include powers hitherto unthinkable, such as the right of the Local educational Authority to decide whether or not to allow parents to home educate, based on their stated educational approach, the power to enter private homes and interview children alone without their parents' permission, and a whole host more, which effectively trample over English Statute, Common Law and even Human Rights. Although it has not been specificaly stated, there is a strong suggestion that the National Curriculum will also be imposed.

Looking at Law on home education around Europe, (banned in Germany, severely controlled in Sweden - and now proposing a ban, banned by resurrecting an outdated law in Cypress, and now imposing their own national curriculum in France), it becomes clear that this consitutes a European crackdown, with a view to brining all children into State control.

The next "loophole" that wil be undoubtedly targed in England is that of independent schools, since there is no State registration of independently educated children.

One wonders how long it will be before the National Curriculum becomes compulsory in independent schools, and how long it will be before they come within the power of the State altogether.

I would be interested to know how the requirements for independent schools vary from State to State in the US.

There is certainly a threat to independent educators in Europe. Will America be next?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/jun/02/education-bill-ed-balls