Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting – 27 September 2019
Read the agenda and minutes from the Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting held on Friday 27 September 2019, 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 27 September 2019, 12.00 pm.
Location: NESA 117 Clarence Street, Sydney, Level 7, Room 2.
Present: David Murphy (Chair), Mark Askew, Sonia Matthews, Gabrielle Oslington, Michael Wheeler.
Apologies: Chris Krogh, David Roy, Carmen Smith.
In Attendance: Zannah Mathieson, Manu Prasad, Home Education Association representatives (item 4 only).
Action arising: None.
None declared.
3a. Year 7 initial registration data
Data reports relating to renewal registrations for Year 7 home schooling were tabled, as requested by a member at the last meeting.
Action arising: Nil
3b. Review of guidelines
The draft survey incorporating member feedback was considered. Following discussion, the survey was accepted. Members were informed that the survey will be published on the NESA website. Parents of registered children will be informed of the survey via email.
Action arising: Survey to be published and parents and stakeholders advised.
3c. Registration process for parents choosing home schooling as a last resort
NESA is considering adding a check box to application forms so that parents can request a call from a Senior Officer from the Home Schooling Unit, as suggested by the HSCG.
Action arising: NESA to consider adding a check box as relative to the resources available and the options currently available to parents for contacting NESA.
3d. Request for data relating to reasons for home schooling
NESA advised that a question has been included in the survey to review the Guidelines.
Action arising: Question has been added.
Representatives from HEA described experiences of delayed allocation of applications to Authorised Persons and requests for identity documents and information pertaining to working arrangements. A lack of communication with applicants during the process was reported. Clarity was sought as to whether these requests represented a change in processes. NESA advised that the processes were not new, and were part of its risk-based approach to the regulation of home schooling registration. NESA noted that a lack of particulars made it difficult to comment on specific cases but agreed to confirm communication processes with Senior Officers and Administrative Officers, particularly in relation to such requests.
Action arising: NESA to confirm communication processes with Senior Officers and Administrative Officers.
5a. National forum
An overview of the 2019 National Home Education Forum, hosted by NESA in August, was reported. Members were informed that regulators of home schooling from every state and territory attended, allowing for valuable discussions and information sharing.
Action arising: Nil
5b. Next meeting
A request was made by a member to change the date of the final HSCG for 2019, currently scheduled for Wednesday 11 December.
Action arising: NESA to seek alternate availabilities from members via email.
The meeting concluded at 2.30 pm.