Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting – 17 June 2020

None

None declared

Draft amendments to the Guidelines for Home Schooling Registration in NSW were considered. Members were informed that NESA would incorporate their feedback and that the draft amendments would be published for consultation.

Action arising: Member feedback to be incorporated and NESA to conduct consultation in relation to the draft amendments.

4a. DoE response to part-time enrolment issue

Members were informed that NESA has written to the NSW Department of Education in relation to the part-time enrolment of children who are registered for home schooling and is awaiting a response. Members were advised that part-time enrolment is a matter for the Department.

Action arising: NESA to report on response from the NSW Department of Education at the next meeting.

4b. Effect of COVID-19 on home schooling registration

NESA has temporarily stopped home visits to assess applications but continues its risk-based approach to registration. The application assessment process has been adapted accordingly to involve documentation review, the use of audio and video technology, granting shorter periods of registration in the absence of a home visit, and the granting of a six-month period of renewed registration for some experienced home schooling parents. A return to home visits is being considered. Members were advised that the number of enquiries and applications received by NESA had increased as a result of COVID-19.

Action arising: Nil

4c. Issues for consultation

A member asked whether there were particular issues NESA would like to raise with the HSCG in the future. Members were informed that NESA considers the review of the Guidelines as a focus for 2020.
Action arising: Nil

4d. 2019 Home schooling data report

A member noted that the 2019 home schooling data report was yet to be published on the NESA website. Members were informed that COVID-19 had delayed publication and that it was expected that the report would be uploaded shortly.

Action arising: NESA to publish the 2019 home schooling report.

4e. DoE school attendance policy

The question of which agency holds responsibility for enforcing mandatory schooling requirements was raised. Members were advised that this remained the sole responsibility of the NSW Department of Education.

Action arising: Nil

An update on the number of applications received to date this year was provided along with data from the same period in 2019 for comparison. It was noted that the numbers reflected an increase that could be attributed in part to COVID-19

Action arising: Nil

It was recognised that David Murphy is leaving NESA shortly. Members expressed their thanks to David Murphy for his work with the HSCG and acknowledged his significant contribution to NESA.

Action arising: Nil