Home Schooling Consultative Group meeting – 7 December 2020

Matters arising from the minutes of 18 September 2020

1a. Home schooling processes in response to COVID-19

Pre-COVID periods of registration have been restored. A member raised concerns regarding the security of documentation sent to NESA for review and the stress to applicants regarding the preparation of assessments conducted via video/audio technology. Members were advised that all documentation provided is stored within NESA’s record management system and subject to NESA’s security and privacy provisions.

Action arising: NESA to consider providing information for parents about preparing for a meeting by video technology to review an application.

1b. Access to distance education

At the last meeting a member expressed the view that some parents of children with a disability chose to home school as they were unable to access distance education. The member requested NESA represent this view to the NSW Department of Education (‘the Department’). NESA considered the request as relevant to its function for home schooling registration. As such, NESA recommends parents and stakeholders express their view directly to the Department.

Action arising: Nil

None declared

Members were informed that the preliminary findings from the consultation survey seeking feedback on the draft amendments to the Guidelines for Home Schooling Registration in NSW, was largely positive. Further amendments that could be made to improve clarity and provide additional information, were suggested.
 

Action arising: NESA to finalise the consultation survey report from 2020 and provide further tracked changes for the first HSCG meeting in 2021 with a view to publishing the changes after the HSCG meeting.

4a. Consultation

A member asked if there was scope for greater consultation between NESA and the HSCG in relation to changes to practices with home schooling registration. Members were advised that in 2020 some temporary changes were made as a result of COVID-19. These changes were made quickly in response to NSW Health advice and escalating risks. Apart from these changes, there has been very little change to practice. NESA continues to recognise consultation as the core business of the HSCG.

Action arising: Nil

4b. Complaints

A member asked if a list of issues raised by home schoolers that had not reached the threshold of a complaint, could be shared with the group. Members were advised that NESA does not hold a list of issues raised by home schooling parents. The general process for resolving complaints and issues are the same, as outlined in NESA’s Complaint Handling Policy and Process available on NESA’s website.

Action arising: Nil

4c. Child Protection

A member requested an update on the current status of discussions between NESA and the Department in relation to home schooling and child welfare/protection. Members were advised that NESA is not involved in discussions regarding home schooling and child welfare/protection. A member suggested that there may have been changes to the practice of the NSW Department of Education Home School Liaison Officers when following up on attendance issues. Members were advised that the Department has not changed its practice. Members were also advised that NESA does not have a role in any actions taken by the NSW Department of Education in relation to attendance issues.

Action arising: Nil

4d. Research

A member asked if NESA was planning to support research in relation to home schooling. Members were advised that currently, NESA has not been asked to support any research. NESA publishes home schooling data in relation to its role in registering children for home schooling, which may provide support for people conducting research.

Action arising: Nil

An update on the number of applications received to date in 2020 was provided along with data from the same period in 2019 for comparison. It was noted that the data reflects a significant increase in the number of children registered for home schooling.

Action arising: Nil

6a. Self-assessment questionnaire

A self-assessment questionnaire will shortly be emailed to all members. It was requested that completed questionnaires be returned to NESA by Friday 15 January 2021.

Action arising: NESA to provide a summary report at the first meeting in 2021.

6b. Meetings 2021

Members were advised that they would soon be provided with 2021 meeting dates.

Action arising: NESA to provide 2021 meeting dates to members as soon as practicable.