Home school parents may be tested

New proposals outlined by education chiefs

The Government is proposing to ask those who educate their children at home to provide reports on what is being taught.

A Freedom of Information request shows that there are currently 35 children of primary school age educated at home, and 22 secondary school aged.

There are many reasons for parents wishing to teach their children at home, from difficulties securing attendance to behavioural problems.

Government says it has a duty to provide suitable standards of education for Manx children, but up until now, there have been no legislative powers for them to check on the progress of those educated outside of school grounds.

They want this to change. 

In a new Education Act, the Government is suggesting it should have an annual report from home educators so they can see how those children are getting on.

A draft bill is due to appear for consultation within the coming months.

Before that happens, the DEC wants to hear the views of those who come into this bracket - on the proposal itself, on how it might work, or if they think there might be a more appropriate way for the Department to proceed.