Local Matters

The Home Education community within the South East is growing daily - one estimate puts it at a 17%. UK Home Educators are in the process of meeting with representatives from each LA. Our intention is to create a relationship between the HE Community and the LAs that is tenable and workable for both parties. Where we find inaccuracies, negative attitudes and examples of injustice, we are committed to challenging them and working to correct them. Where we find positive attitudes, reasonable and fair procedures, and supportive networks, we will hold them up as examples of best practice and encourage the HE community to cooperate with them.

These are links to the Local Authorities that cover the areas in which our members reside, together with details on our relationship with them as it develops:

Medway Council
Medway Council's section on home education is a mixture of good and bad. Some unfortunate phrases such as "the law allows parents to educate their children at home instead of sending them to school, if they fulfil certain conditions" spoil what otherwise could be a helpful, reasonably unbiased piece.

UK Home Educators are working with the LA to have amended the website entry, and is also challenging them on a number of policy points. However, the LA is keen to work with local home educating families and we are hopeful that a more positive relationship with them with develop over the coming months. The person to contact at the LA with regards to home education within Medway is Juliet Sevior.

Kent County Council
The KCC is due for an overhaul, as part of new literature/information currently being worked on. UK Home Educators have been involved in some of the consultation around these changes, and we are confident of a positive and appropriate outcome. We are also involved with Kent School Library Advisory Team who are developing a range of interesting resources and services, useful to home educators. Watch this space for further details! The person to contact at the LA with regards to home education within Kent is Tim Fox.

London Borough of Bromley
The section here on home education is fairly balanced, and has recently been updated. UK Home Educators have met with Bromley LA who have said they are keen to work together with the local HE community to foster a better working relationship. The person to contact at the LA with regards to home education within the Borough of Bromley is Rachel Stevens.

Bexley Council
I have been unable to find anything on the LAs site about home education. Meetings held with Bexley in 2006 provided assurances that this was because they were awaiting the completion of a new section to be put up. To the best of our knowledge, this has not yet happened. The person to contact at the LA with regards to home education within the Borough of Bexley is Denise Partridge. However, Bexley have been working with our Group with regards to providing training to EWOs and the Police's Safer Neighbourhoods Team, with regards to truancy patrols and the laws and guidelines relating to stopping a home educated child.

Local Learning

Hall Place & Gardens in Bexley has a full program of events and exhibitions. They welcome bookings from educational groups and cater for all ages and abilities. They also offer loan boxes.
Mid Kent Water has dedicated members of staff who are available to visit groups free of charge and give talks on the topic of water. We have had them visit our group and can fully recommend them.
The Kent and East Sussex Railway is also a possible venue for an educational visit, with their Victorian Experience day.
The Hop Farm Country Park in the heart of Kent, has the largest collection of Victorian oast houses in the world and a full event calendar. The Hop Farm offers group rates to all groups with 15 or more paying people.
The Wild Animal Parks at Port Lympne and Howletts offer special rates for schools (term time only), with one adult free with every 7 students/children. Special talks and activities by arrangement.
Canterbury boasts a number of interesting museums worth visiting.
Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge has a large art collection. Parties should be of between 20 and 60. Only one party is accepted for any particular day. The Castle can be opened at any time of year for booked school parties.
Discover historic Rochester, where you will find a wonderful blend of ancient and modern in the heart of the "garden of England". This site has all you need to know about the area.

For further ideas, visit Kent Attractions or Educational Visits UK. A number of local venues and businesses now offer discounts to Home Educators, though this may be restricted to members of Education Otherwise who can produce proof of their membership. Contact us for further information.

Other UK Support Groups

Bath:

Berkshire

Derbyshire

Devon:

Dorset:

Home Education South Central Teens is a new group specifically for families with HEd children of 12 and above in the Dorset/Hants/Wilts and surrounding areas. They intend to have workshops/outings, to pool any knowledge about courses/GCSEs, and possibly arrange study groups if feasible. They also have a mailing list for the group.

Durham

Essex:

Greater Manchester:

Hampshire

Northants Home Education is an informal and friendly group that meets regularly for activities and support. Welcomes anyone in northants and surrounding areas. Website also has a growing list of resources and background information.

Kent

Lancashire:

London/Greater London:

Midlands

Norfolk:

Sussex:

Surrey

Tyne & Wear

Wales

You can find other groups by using this interactive map.

If you run or organise a UK Home Education Support group,
join the UK HE Support List, and share ideas with other Group leaders.

Click to join ukhesupport