Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting – 3 July 2019

The minutes of the 12 April meeting were confirmed out of session and have been published on the HSCG webpage. It was confirmed that NESA would support efforts by parent groups in seeking education discounts from software suppliers for registered home schoolers.

Action arising: Nil

None declared.

3.1  Year 7 initial registration data

Data reports relating to initial registrations for Y7 home schooling were tabled. For comparison, data relating to renewal registrations for the same period was requested.

Action arising: NESA officers to prepare this data, to be tabled at the next meeting.

3.2 Review of guidelines

The draft evaluation survey was discussed. Members were invited to provide feedback including suggested amendments using ‘tracked changes’.

Action arising: Members who wish to provide feedback to send a ‘tracked changes’ version to NESA by 2 August 2019.

4.1 Publication of AP handbook with tracked changes

Members were advised that this has been done.

Action arising: Nil.

4.2 Administration of home schooling registration & NESA communication with home schoolers

It was asked if there had been any recent changes to requirements for, or processes for home schooling registration and, if so, how these were communicated to home schoolers. Members were advised that there have not been any recent changes to NESA policies or processes regarding home schooling registration. Members were advised by NESA officers that while some processes may be a new experience to those people they were applied to for the first time, the processes themselves were not new.

Action arising: Nil.

4.3 Registration process for parents choosing home schooling as a last resort

The possibility of immediate provisional registration for students was raised. Members were advised that the introduction of ‘provisional registration’ would be contrary to the provisions of the Education Act 1990. Members discussed the possibility of a parent requesting a call from a Senior Officer from the Home Schooling Unit to assist in providing further information that may expedite the application for registration process. Members commented that it would be valuable if the HSCG could communicate with the Department of Education (‘the Department’) on this topic. They were advised that NESA had invited the Department to nominate a representative to join the HSCG, and was awaiting a response.

Action arising: NESA to consider adding a check box to application forms so that parents can request a call from a Senior Officer from the Home Schooling Unit.

5.1 Request for data

A request was made for data around the additional information provided by applicants when ‘other’ is selected as the reason for home schooling. It was identified that parent explanations that do not fit the pre-determined classifications of reasons, are recorded under the classification of ‘other’. It was agreed that NESA would consider developing additional classifications. This process would seek the views of parents as part of the survey in relation to evaluating the Guidelines.

Action arising: NESA to consider additional classifications.

5.2 National forum

NESA will be hosting the 2019 National Home Education Forum for regulators from each state and territory, to be held in Sydney in August. Members were informed that a home schooling parent who is also a member of the HSCG had been invited to present.

Action arising: Nil.