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17-fold increase in home schooling
THE number of parents who chose to home tutor their children, rather than send them to one of the schools across Peterborough, has risen 17 times over in a decade.
THE number of parents who chose to home tutor their children, rather than send them to one of the schools across Peterborough, has risen 17 times over in a decade.New figures, obtained by The Evening Telegraph under the Freedom of Information Act, show a staggering 1,616 per cent increase, from six children being home tutored in 1998 to 103 in 2008.
Sarah Lambert, who has been home tutoring her three sons, Ben (11), Alex (14) and Chris (17) for the past 10 years, said she has never had a second thought about not sending them to school.
The family began home tutoring at their home in Grafton Avenue, Netherton, Peterborough, after realising Chris was not happy or thriving at school.
Mrs Lambert said: "In my time at school, children enjoyed learning and did it in a fun way. they were not subjected to the tests that go on in schools today.
"Nowadays, children learn to be failures quite early on because of these tests, when, in fact, it might be that the children are slow learners or have a slight learning difficulty."
Although Chris, who is now applying to go to university, went to school for two years, neither Ben nor Alex have ever been, or have shown signs of wanting to go.
At home, the trio are taught a range of subjects, including English, maths, science, history, art and geography, but instead of just reading from textbooks, Mrs Lambert uses play, everyday activities, and visiting places of interest to educate her children.
She said: "Home tutoring allows children to develop freely in the subjects they enjoy.
"They get to have more of a say on what they are being taught, which also makes them become more enthusiastic about their learning.
"A lot of parents I know who have opted for home tutoring because their child is unhappy at school.
"Other reasons are that their child has a minor learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or minor asperger's, and feel they can give their children a better education at home."
However, cabinet member for education and children's services and deputy leader of the city council Stephen Goldspink said the figures, although of interest, were not a cause for concern, or a reflection on the teaching or standards in Peterborough's schools.
He said: "The education system does allow parents the choice of whether they send their children to state schools, private schools or choose home tutoring.
"Whatever they choose, the city council will aim to provide the highest standard of education it can.
"In Peterborough, most parents choose our schools and I am not sure why parents make other choices.
"It may be that they feel they can do a better job, or because it suits their lifestyle, or it is just a personal belief.
How more parents have opted out
Pupils receiving Elective Home Education (EHE) during the academic years:
1998/99 - 6
1999/00 - 13
2000/01 - 14
2001/02 - 22
2002/03 - 58
2003/04 - 61
2004/05 - 70
2005/06 - 93
2006/07 - 96
2007/08 103
It is a big responsibility for the parents to make.
“They have to be dedicated, and they have to pick up a range of skills, and we would try to support them in the best way we could.”
Welfare special project manager at the city council Jenny Parris also said the figures were nothing to be concerned about.
She said: “We are talking about 103 pupils out of 26,000 at our primary and secondary schools, which is just 0.3 per cent.
“Education is a legal entitlement, and every parent has a duty to make sure they provide for their children, whether it be at home or through school.
“Although the council will aim to support parents who chose home tutoring, it has no obligation to advise, make resource provision, or pay for books or lessons.”
Parents who choose to home tutor their children are supported by the city council, which will provide them with an information pack, and offer guidance where needed.
A dedicated officer will then set up an interview with the parent, to find out how they are going to tutor their children.
“The council then has a responsibility to review the children’s progress at regular intervals.”
Mrs Lambert added: “I always make sure my children are interacting with other children and they have actually formed better and more solid friendships with their friends.
“They are not subjected to any peer pressure, and escape from issues such as bullying.
“Although they are taught all about that at home, they are not sheltered from the world. They are more mature learners.”
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