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Barnoldswick mum is home education guru
A BARNOLDSWICK woman has gone on television to argue the benefits of home education.
Alison Sauer has been educating her son, Johannes, at home for 10 years, and now advises councils nationwide on the legalities surrounding this issue.
She was invited to feature on the BBC's North West programme on Monday to comment on Lancashire County Council's announcement that more parents are choosing to tutor their children at home.
"It was obvious the councillor quoted hadn't a clue about the law as he talks about the county council's responsibilities, when in reality these just don't exist," said Mrs Sauer. "What a lot of people don't realise is that under British law, it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure their child is educated.
"Most delegate that responsibility to schools, but a growing number of others, like us, choose to retain that responsibility."
Being home educated, Johannes (12) does not have to follow the National Curriculum, or sit SATS exams, but his mum says that has not affected his development, in fact she thinks it has made him the confident and articulate boy he is.
"His education can be targeted towards his interests, so, for instance, he is currently undertaking a short Open University course on the planets, as part of his science and maths studies," said Mrs Sauer.
"Its all about fitting the education to the child."
Following her television appearance, she has also been asked to speak to Lancashire's Education Committee.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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