Daughter taken out of school.

Doody

Geoff1963 wrote: »

Can a decision to home school be reversed quickly, if things aren't working out ?
Could parents decide they are going to home school their children, have a two-week family holiday to start the bonding ; and then realise that in fact state schooling is best, and resume that ?

If there is a space in the school, the wheels seem to turn very quickly.

Our daughter decided she wanted to try school in year 9 and we were amazed at how quickly she was admitted. A couple of weeks IIRC

Rosemary7391

I'd be concerned that she seems to think buying 3 textbooks is enough - for how long? Until GCSE level? No way! I wonder if a good way of dealing with this would be to engage with her on it, and make sure if it happens it happens properly. She might decide it's easier just to send her to school. Ask her about social activities (guides/scouts, homeschool groups, etc) and specialist tuition (music? Sports? Martial arts?) and about splitting the cost/organisation of these, ask about planned outings to museums and the like, would your daughter like to take up any particular hobby and attend groups/classes/residentials for that? (Artistic ones might be popular - sewing, drawing/painting, cooking...) plus enquire what you can do to support your daughters academic education - how will her work be reviewed, will she take GCSEs and where/when? Will she need a tutor for the later stages?

System

Rosemary7391 wrote: »

I'd be concerned that she seems to think buying 3 textbooks is enough - for how long? Until GCSE level? No way! I wonder if a good way of dealing with this would be to engage with her on it, and make sure if it happens it happens properly. She might decide it's easier just to send her to school. Ask her about social activities (guides/scouts, homeschool groups, etc) and specialist tuition (music? Sports? Martial arts?) and about splitting the cost/organisation of these, ask about planned outings to museums and the like, would your daughter like to take up any particular hobby and attend groups/classes/residentials for that? (Artistic ones might be popular - sewing, drawing/painting, cooking...) plus enquire what you can do to support your daughters academic education - how will her work be reviewed, will she take GCSEs and where/when? Will she need a tutor for the later stages?

I agree. I know 2 couples who home educated and it swallowed up a huge amount of money.

andygb

I have not had a chance to read all the replies, but I am alarmed that someone (particularly someone who dropped out of school) can simply remove their child from school so easily. I am not surprised that the OP is very concerned about this, as the mother is not skilled enough to teach, and buying textbooks alone is not enough, because there needs to be a suitably skilled adult to answer technical questions.
I can see this going horribly wrong, with a confused child who misses out on a very important education.

tawecdl

This is getting worse, I have suggested 2 schools now, one I applied for and she agreed and now she put a stop to it because it is too "inconvenient". And another I applied for yesterday and she has now told me she does not want daughter to go there either.

I am extremely concerned and spoke to Educational Welfare who told me that the government law is very "wooly" with regards to home schooling. Apparently there is no set criteria for home education and she can even refuse the Education Welfare access to the material that is used to teach, so I have no way of finding out how she is getting on other than relying on my daughter to tell me. On a positive note, if I write a hand written signed letter to the Education welfare, and mother is happy, and they complete legal checks on me, I can get updates from with the Education Welfare have been told by mother (even though this could be incorrect information).

Now who would be happy relying on their child to update them with regards to their progress on Parents day for example and who would like to receive a yearly report that has been completed by their child.

I have hit a nerve with mother somewhere and she has told me to stop "harassing" her about this (it has been going on for 3 months and I am yet to see or hear any evidence of education).

I think mediation is my next step, can anyone advise on how I go about this? and does anyone know of anywhere I can find information regarding previous cases like this and the results. I have been told that with representation this could run into the £1000's so any advise is really appreciated.

TBagpuss

There is some information about mediation here http://www.nfm.org.uk/index.php/family-mediation/about-family-mediation
If you search for 'family mediation' and your home town you should find local services, you can then contact them directly for additional information. Ask specifically whether they are able to provide MIAM forms for the court, if not, look elsewhere (it doesn't mean they are not good mediators, but you need someone who can sigh off to let you apply to the court, if necessary)


Alternatively you might find it a good idea to take some legal advice. A solicitors letter now, setting out your concerns and proposals might save you having to go to mediation o to court, and if not, the solicitor will be able to advise you as to the best course of action, and will be able to make the mediation referral.

Starrystarrynight1

I'm not surprised you're so distressed, OP. Education is so important and I think the recommendations of mediation seem the right thing.

In the meantime, and if funds permit, have you considered the option of online schooling? The one I am aware of is https://www.interhigh.co.uk and it is much more structured. It still doesn't have the social aspects of school, but it could maybe give you more peace of mind to know there are proper lessons etc.

Loz01

tawecdl wrote: »

I am extremely concerned and spoke to Educational Welfare who told me that the government law is very "wooly" with regards to home schooling. Apparently there is no set criteria for home education and she can even refuse the Education Welfare access to the material that is used to teach

Correct! The people I know who home school said they don't have to "do" anything legally with regards to work or GCSES or exams and also someone wanted to come and inspect them and they refused and said its our right to home educate as we see fit.... crazy really IMO.

tawecdl

Right so, I have been on phone to Citizens advice and they cannot advise in my area, they can only assist with Consumer advise.

The webchat services does not work I have been trying for over a week.

Does anyone know where I can get free advise, I have tried googling and cannot find any.

FBaby

Could you see about getting 1/2 free advice from a family lawyer? Or maybe you have access to legal advice with your home insurance?