We, the undersigned, support the freedom of parents to home school their children in the United Kingdom.

We believe parents are responsible under Almighty God for their children's education, a position we say the Education Act 1996 confirms:

Section 7: Duty of parents to secure education of children of compulsory school age.
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable—
(a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and
(b) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

Right now, we oppose the UK Government proposal of registration, monitoring and what they call 'support' from the likes of Ofsted for home educators in England and the Welsh Government proposal of covert surveillance of home schoolers by local authorities.

We consider both approaches to be an attack on freedom of speech, on freedom of choice, on freedom of association, on family life, and inasmuch as Christianity or indeed some other belief system may form the backdrop to a parental desire to provide education 'otherwise' than at school, on religious freedom.

We call upon Members of Parliament and Welsh Asembly Members to reject these attempt to extend state control over families.

* I'll be happy to receive further communication from Christian Voice concerning this matter and relevant issues.

See: Further details on the proposals here on the Christian Voice website.

Stephen Green    Contact the author of the petition