Deep breathe…today, we are continuing our series on case law regarding ‘suitable education’ in England and Wales and specifically what LAs can ‘reasonably expect’…
3.15 In their consideration of parents’ provision of education at home, local authorities may reasonably expect the provision to include the following characteristics:
- consistent involvement of parents or other significant carers – it is expected that parents or significant carers would play a substantial role, although not necessarily constantly or actively involved in providing education
- recognition of the child’s needs, attitudes and aspirations
- opportunities for the child to be stimulated by their learning experiences
- access to resources/materials required to provide home education for the child – such as paper and pens, books and libraries, arts and crafts materials, physical activity, ICT and the opportunity for appropriate interaction with other children and other adults.
Today, we look at…
- opportunities for the child to be stimulated by their learning experiences
Hmmm…for me this one is the fuzziest. What exactly does that mean?
I suppose in the simplest terms…it means that you have not locked your #LittleHuman in a dark closet, away from the world and people, and isolated her from ‘reality’. (Mind you, PanKwake has not one but two sensory spaces where she voluntarily locks herself away when overstimulated…but that is another thing all together.)
Again, I admit to my own prejudices…and my conundrum…how exactly does traditional home education with work books, schedules, and classes meet this standard? From a #RadiCoolUnschooling perspective I simply cannot see how #LittleHumans can be ‘stimulated by learning experiences’ not of their own choosing or that are so adult-led as to be restrictive.
In case, you have not guessed it, I am a huge fan of learning through play, autonomous education, or truly self-directed learning. In addition to Sugata Mitra, whom I mentioned the other day, I am also inspired by the works of John Holt and more recently Dr Peter Gray, though I am not impressed by the concept of alternative schools…except for those whose parents CANNOT home educate.
For me, the best and only evidence that I could provide to the LA to prove this one are…
There are hundreds of pictures…perhaps thousands on my computer and the iPad that document how PanKwake is truly STIMULATED by her learning experiences.
In fact, this blog is exceedingly short because we are off being stimulated by more learning experiences…but more about that next week.
I would not hesitate to say that PanKwake is more stimulated and passionate about learning than any random child they can pull from their schools…and even many of her #HomeEd peers.
Then again #HomeCrazzyHome is a bastion of lifelong learning. She see me and Cookie Monster reading, Googling, and exploring topics that interest us. She is exposed to and included in deep philosophical discussions on a plethora of topics where her voice is heard and respected in keeping with Articles 12, 13, and 14 of the UNCRC. It is no surprise that she emulates adults who are passionate about learning.
I have said that I believe the only fair way for the LA, Kirsty Williams, or Sally Holland to evaluate the ‘suitability’ of the education we provide PanKwake is to live with us at #HomeCrazzyHome for a time. Of course, PanKwake has finally worn Cookie Monster down on the subject of our own ‘reality’ TV show.
Well, as far as a day in the life of our #HomeCrazzyHome…on her YouTube channel…unedited. Except for boring snoring bits…loo breaks…meltdowns…and bleeps on the occasions when we forget about the cameras and use our normal variety of colorful language. So ya’ll will one day soon get to see that we really do live like this…or not.
Reminder…yet again…PanKwake’s YouTube videos and even these blogs HER decisions in keeping with a recognition of the child’s increasing capacity to make their own choices. (Article 5 of the UNCRC) Thus claims under…
Article 36 (other forms of exploitation)
Governments must protect children from all other forms of exploitation, for example the exploitation of children for political activities, by the media or for medical research.
Must be balanced against her rights under…
Article 12 (respect for the views of the child)
Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life.
Article 13 (freedom of expression)
Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all
kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.
Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion)
Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.
And having raised PanKwake in an environment where she is stimulated by learning experiences…she is more than capable of being the one to make those decisions for herself.
Unless, of course, we live in a Nanny state?
Self-Directed Learning & Neurodiversity 