In written answers to a series of Parliamentary Questions, Robin Harper MSP, Education Minister Michael Russell reaffirms the Scottish Government’s position on home education and underlines his expectation of local authorities to be ‘constructive, courteous and open when dealing with home educators’.
To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on elective home education.
Answered by Michael Russell (01/09/2010): The Scottish Government considers home education to be a key aspect of parental choice in determining how their children are educated. We recognise the legitimacy of that choice and that home educating parents make that choice in the best interests of their children. In our statutory guidance on home education, as well as setting out the legislative framework, we offer advice on the roles and responsibilities of local authorities and home educating parents and encourage home educators and authorities to work together to develop trust, mutual respect and a positive relationship.
Current Status: Answered by Michael Russell on 01/09/2010
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To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the statutory guidance on home education that was issued in 2008.
Answered by Michael Russell (01/09/2010): The guidance has been well received by both local authorities and home educating organisations. We routinely keep all such guidance under regular review to ensure that it is accurate and up to date. However, we have no plans to review or revise it in any significant way.
Current Status: Answered by Michael Russell on 01/09/2010
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To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to remind local authorities that they should have regard to the statutory guidance on home education when formulating local policies and procedures so that accurate information for parents and details of named contacts in relation to home education are included in council literature and easily accessible on council websites.
Answered by Michael Russell (01/09/2010): Authorities should be well aware of this statutory guidance, section 5 of which focuses on the importance of good practice in terms of the provision of clear contact information. General reminders are perhaps less effective than more targeted ones in circumstances where it comes to our attention that practice may need to be improved. As a general principle we expect local authorities to be constructive, courteous and open when dealing with home educators as with all other individuals and groups.
Current Status: Answered by Michael Russell on 01/09/2010
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