Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting – 20 March 2020
Read the agenda and minutes from the Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting held on Wednesday 20 March 2020, 12.00 pm.
Agenda and minutes
Members
- David Murphy (Chair)
- Mark Askew
- Chris Krogh
- Sonia Matthews
- Gabrielle Oslington
- David Roy
- Carmen Smith
- Michael Wheeler
Date and time: Friday 20 March 2020, 12.00 pm
Location: NESA 117 Clarence Street, Sydney, Level 7, Room 2
Present: David Murphy (Chair), Mark Askew, Chris Krogh, Sonia Matthews, Gabrielle Oslington, David Roy, Michael Wheeler
Apologies: Carmen Smith
In attendance: Zannah Mathieson, Manu Prasad
It was noted that a discussion relating to the NSW Department of Education (‘the Department’) was not included in the minutes. The discussion confirmed that NESA has not received any further advice from the Department regarding the possibility of children registered for home schooling being able to access part-time enrolment in school.
Action arising: NESA to make inquiries of the Department as to the status of this issue
None declared
The Home Schooling Data reports relating to 2019 were presented. Members were advised that they would be published on NESA’s website in due course. Members expressed an interest in the inclusion of further categories of data.
Action arising: NESA to consider the inclusion of additional categories for the 2020 report relative to available resources.
A draft report relating to the online consultation survey was presented and discussed.
Action arising: NESA to distribute draft consultation report to members and to seek feedback at the next meeting.
Results of the 2019 HSCG Self-Assessment Questionnaire were collated and provided to members.
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. Members were also informed that home schooling application forms had recently been updated and were now live on the NESA website.
Action arising: Nil
7.1 Additional resourcing
A member asked if additional resourcing had been put in place to accommodate the increasing demand for home schooling registration. Members were advised that NESA must address increasing demand within NESA’s existing resources.
Action arising: Nil
7.2 Numeracy and literacy tests
The question of whether the online reading, writing and numeracy tests to meet the HSC minimum standards were available to children registered for home schooling was raised. As children who are registered for home schooling are not eligible for the HSC, these tests are not available.
Action arising: Nil.
7.3 COVID-19
Members were informed that Authorised Persons are conducting home visits with increased precautions such as social distancing and use of hand sanitizer. Individualised adjustments have also been made in response to the particular circumstances of some families. NESA will continue to monitor government advice in relation to the virus and consider options should an escalated response such as a temporary change to the way applications are assessed be required.
Action arising: Nil.
The meeting concluded at 2.15 pm.