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Big rise seen in the number of home-taught children

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Published Date: 22 November 2008
By DAVID MADDOX
A RISE of 67 per cent in the number of children being educated at home since 2001 may just be the tip of the iceberg, it has been claimed.
New Scottish Government figures have revealed that 756 children were registered as being taught at home in 2007-8 for reasons other than health problems. This was an increase of 53 from 2006-7 and 315 from 2000-1.

But Alison Pearson, the convener
of Schoolhouse Home Education Association, said the number was probably much higher, because councils were often unaware of all the children outside the school system.

She said home education was on the rise for a variety of reasons, including bullying and a lack of confidence many parents had in the school system.

"The trouble is that the one size fits all mentality of our school system does not serve our children's individual needs very well," she said. "We find more and more parents are contacting us, especially in the P1 year group, because they are horrified with what they have found when their child starts school."

She added that new regulations introduced last year – which made it easier for parents to choose home education while giving the council six weeks' notice of withdrawing their child from a school – had also contributed to the increase.

However, parents who chose this option were still faced with "significant opposition" from councils, she added.



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  • Last Updated: 21 November 2008 9:52 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

drunken proffet,

Tassy 22/11/2008 01:37:02
It becomes a lot easier to teach kids at home if you have a broadband internet connection. The good points are that they will achieve their reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic skills to your satisfaction. Can be easier encouraged to take up hobbies like gardening, painting, and household repairs. Mind you if they go to a secondary school they could be disadvantaged by the fact their intellectual peers will be two or three years older.
2

Chaplin,

22/11/2008 06:50:53
I've met a couple of home taught kids. I couldn't comment on their academic standards however they did have slight problems when it came to interacting with larger groups of children their own age. Both were unused to the rough and tumble of normal childhood.
3

drunken proffet,

Tassy 22/11/2008 07:36:56
#2 Chaplin. I do agree that for a solitary child it is not a good idea, however for a larger family or even a community it is well worth looking at the idea. The present standards put a very high level of expectation on the teachers without providing any positive backup. It boils down to whether you want a politician to dictate the level of your child's education and behaviour or would you feel more comfortable doing it yourself.
4

Alikin,

Nr Hawick 22/11/2008 09:04:39
Home education may benefit some pupils and certainly the prevailing conditions in some state schools may persuade parents to opt for it. As a retired headteacher I agree with Mr drunken proffett when he says "the present standards put a very high level of expectation on the teachers without providing any positive backup". There is a huge amount of time wasted at school follwing daft initiatives dreamt up by politicians and other assorted bureaucrats most of which is unmitigated drivel. A lot of padding could be cut out with no loss to the child.

Most of what a child needs to learn during his/her primary years could be learned in much less time at home if the parents are willing and able to do this, and to ensure that there is plenty of provision or social interaction with peers.



5

Gdgy,

22/11/2008 09:12:36
Good - more money for the rest....
I can't help but feel that it is the adults who need educated at home...but at least they are not in the school system moaning and causing unnecessary bother....
6

musicmadmama1,

22/11/2008 09:28:01
*1 "Can be easier encouraged to take up hobbies like gardening, painting, and household repairs. Mind you if they go to a secondary school they could be disadvantaged by the fact their intellectual peers will be two or three years older."

It is easier to focus on learning any subject as the child can immerse himself in the subject rather than bite size facts and figures which are only useful for passing exams. Where on earth do you get the idea that home ed children are disadvantaged by being the intellectual equivalent of young people who are older?
That is not the case at all. An example is my youngest who was given a place at college when he was 15, now 16 he is studying for an HND and his classmates are all at least 3 years older and he has had no probs making friends and has been totally accepted - age is just a number and our boys have friends of all ages.

7

musicmadmama1,

22/11/2008 09:30:59
*2 & *3
I know a large number of home ed families with only one child. Don't fall for the myth that it is only via school that children make friends. Home ed kids make friends through shared interest and there are many home ed activity groups dotted round the country for home ed children to join in and make friends. :o)
8

Gdgy,

22/11/2008 11:52:50
#8 I agree - keping the home-educated kids out of school is good for everyone.....IF their parents want to socially exclude them , that's their decision
9

Cauchy Riemann,

Wales 22/11/2008 12:40:57
Out of interest Gdgy #9, #5, what are you whining on about? Perhaps if you had the intelligence and literacy to actually make some kind of point......
10

Bele's bane,

Scotland 22/11/2008 15:29:20
At least these children will be free from any government sponsored indoctrination programme and or exposure to propaganda!
11

subrosa,

22/11/2008 15:42:08
I admire people who home educate their primary school age children these days. It wasn't so feasible 40 years ago but now there is little choice for parents at times. It's either the local primary which has to teach to the lowest common denominator, thus reducing standards, or private education. The cost of private schooling is usually outwith many parents' financial ability.

Secondary home education is another matter as facilities and peer discussion can be invaluable.



 

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