Tips for 'Registering' as a Homeschooling Family with Australian Educational Authorities
Home education is legal in Australia. However, laws and regulations differ from state to state. You will need to obtain a copy of the relevant Act for your state, and find out about local conditions and regulations or policies that may apply. Homeschooling networks can help you with legal information, but check for yourself - information may not be accurate or up-to-date. The information given on this page is written by someone without legal qualifications and is a general guide only to what is usually required of home educators and may not be applicable in your situation. Always seek qualified legal advice if in any doubt as to your legal position.
The Acts may be found at the General Index for all Australian legislation http://www.austlii.edu.au/databases.html
On http://sahome-ed.beverleypaine.com/approval.html you'll find detailed information that I've prepared for homeschoolers here in South Australia, which together with http://homeschoolaustralia.beverleypaine.com/legal.html form the basis of my reply to questions of this type.Homeschooling is legal; however, the law and regulations differ from state to state. You need to obtain copies of the relevant sections of the Education Act in your State and to inquire about conditions and regulations from the appropriate authorities. Don't rely solely on information from well meaning others - find out for yourself the "letter of the law". Always seek legal advice if in any doubt as to your legal position.
Many homeschoolers question the interpretation, validity and legal status of policies and regulations regarding homeschooling given by authorities. Even within states regional requirements may vary in their their application and interpretation of the law or regulations. Local help and advice, reflecting recent experience, can be an invaluable aid. The Home Education Resource and Legal Information Network has been set up to help homeschoolers find information.
Where regulation of homeschooling exists the process generally involves requiring the parents to prepare a program of learning for the children, which is then assessed by an officer of the authority, a process usually including at least one interview, plus regular review. The review process varies and can be annual, every two years, or negotiated.
When considering contacting the educational authorities and applying to homeschool it is important to think seriously about what your intentions and responsibilities are - both to yourself, your children and to society.
Although many home educators feel the regulations or policies relating to home education to be fair and adequate, others argue they have no basis in law, infringe on basic human and parenting rights, are discriminatory and inequitable.
Thinking carefully and becoming clear in your own mind about your role and the role of the authority will offer you the most confidence in whatever path you follow.
At all times read all paper work very carefully, and never sign anything you are not entirely happy with. Put things in your own writing, using your own words, rather than simply signing forms presented to you. Be careful not to sign away any rights to resources, assistance or help for your children as homeschooling students. Although they may not require these things now keep options open for the future.
Keep records of any communication with authority officials, including tape recordings or transcripts of telephone conversations. This is simply professional and responsible behaviour and offers you confidence in further dealings.
Insist of written clarification of telephone calls and ask for letters outlining what will be discussed and dealt with during interviews, and what is required of you. Be assertive. It is your right, especially if you are inviting strangers into your home.
Arrange for interviews on neutral territory if you wish. Keep records until the child is past compulsory schooling age.
Information sought by educational authorities in the process of 'approving' homeschools varies considerably. The emphasis should be on the quality of the proposed learning program, and this includes the learning environment. A comprehensive guide to establishing learning programs and environments can be found in the Australian homeschooling manual "Getting Started with Homeschooling - Practical Considerations".
In general, most authorities require a broad outline of a proposed program of work for each child, which should includes areas of study, essential skills and understandings, resources to be used and description of the teaching methods. This is a summary only, not a detailed curriculum guide, and should be brief and concise.
Offering a more detailed outline of a sample day often reassures officers assessing the learning program, as do exhibiting samples of recent learning activities. Children do not have to be subjected to interviews by the officer if you don't wish - be firm and assertive, and clear about the assessment of the learning program, rather than the children's current educational abilities and understandings. As the educator it is your responsibility to monitor the progress of your child - not their’s.
You will also be required to demonstrate that educational progress is being monitored, evaluated and assessed. This generally requires some degree of record keeping. Never give away original documents or children's work: use photocopies if necessary.
In most cases a simple annual report prepared by you should suffice. When working through the review simply write brief summaries of what the children have done during the year, and then a brief outline of the next year's program. If you are feeling less than confident get help - many experienced homeschoolers are happy to help, or be present at your interview as objective observers.
Socialisation and adequate provision for contact with peers and other adults, and involvement in cultural and sporting activities is considered important. Usually familes retain friends from school and other activities, plus gain homeschooling friends, through support groups, excursions and camps. Be sure to inform the authorities you are in contact with a local or state based homeschooling group for support and social opportunities.
In Australia the recommended areas of study are English; Languages other than English; Mathematics; Society and Environment Studies; Health, Physical and Personal Development; Science; The Arts; and Technology and Enterprise. You can offer a range of other subjects or categories as you see fit. The aim is to offer a broad and balanced curriculum over time.
Devising your own programs to suit your individual children is recognised and celebrated as accepted homeschooling practice throughout Australia. ™
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