The Badman Home Education Review

Another review into home education has been underway in England, and this time the authorities have tried to link it with child abuse. Have they any proof? The answer to that is no, although they have tried to make it look otherwise. Check out this:
His review found that "even acknowledging the variation between authorities, the number of children known to children's social care in some local authorities is disproportionately high relative to the size of the home educating population".
He recommended local authorities have fully trained staff who are "well-versed" in procedures for safeguarding children.
This was quoted on the B.B.C.news website. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8095864.stm
On first glance it appears that they have indeed got proof, but on a closer glance it states that children are 'known'. Known, doesn't mean they are on a protection register, it can mean simply, that they are known because someone has contacted them to make them as known. This happens a lot, as doctors, neighbours and family who are opposed to the idea of homeschooling ring the S.S. I have known of a case where a family had the S.S. call out 3 times, in as many years, all because people rang up.
The new proposals include;
1) Compulsory registration once a year.
2) Compulsory home visits once a year.
3) Questioning of the child alone without anyone else present.
4) If the authority doesn't consider the education satisfactory, or even disagrees with the provision, they can order the child into school.
We home educate for conscience. We are Christians, and it would be against the Bible to send our children into a godless system, where pornography, lies, and all manner of filth and rebellion are taught. It is our responsibility to educate our children, not the state. Increasingly though, under this socialist communist government we are told our children belong to the state. I think they may have well overstepped the mark this time. We will be fighting this, and in the meantime please pray for England!
Here is another link, on how it will affect things.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5506362/Home-education-rules-an-abuse-of-civil-liberties.html

The Bible in a year- Psalm 103

103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
What a great Psalm! We are so fortunate that we have enough food to eat, and we can even choose what to eat. It is a sad fact of life that so many can't. He does indeed crown us with loving kindness and tender mercies, and he satisfies us with good things. How thankful are we though, and how much do we take for granted? It is so easy to become complacent over God's goodness. We will come to Him with our needs, but forget to thank Him for His goodness to us!

Blog give away at Jackie's blog!

http://hedgerowfireside.blogspot.com/ Jackie is having a blog give away. Just leave a comment on her blog and link to her for a chance of winning.

vegetables

It is easy in theory. You plant them, water them, and then they grow.....However, we had a really dry spell followed by a week of torrential shower bursts and I havd to put my salad tubs indoors. I am afraid, it was too late for the salad patch. Never mind, as life goes on. I have found it easier growing things in tubs, as it is pretty fool proof.
For now at least my tomato plants are doing well, as they are indoors. After the last time when they were flooded. We came home from holiday to find our garden in a foot of water. I find some things like radish, and indoor lettuce easier to grow.
We are having a go at chillies, as we like those added to food, and so far, so good. We shall see, and when I am feeling brave I will post some pics. (If everything is still alive)

Bible in a year-Judges

Have been reading Judges this week. Interesting, a reference to Judges and homeschooling was made in a recent news letter. We need to teach our children about the Bible. The reason so many are leaving the churches is simple, they are taught by godless institutions. These institutions regardless of what people might think are not neutral. They teach children to serve their own lusts and not to regard others.
Being a Christian is not just about confessing our sins and believing that Jesus died and accepting him as Lord and saviour. It is about serving others and seeking to help people. That is what Jesus did, good works do not secure our salvation, but are an evidence of our salvation. We need to see to our families needs first, and what greater way than to homeschool them and teach them . If they then reject the faith, at least we have done our duty. However the testimony I have heard, is of young people graduating and going on with God.

The North Norfolk Coast

One of the great parts of homeschooling has to be the field trips. The children are constantly learning. When I was at school we went on a couple of trips a year, however they were always spoiled, as the teachers always insisted that we fill in a worksheet, and answer all the questions. If we let children just enjoy the experience, then the learning will come naturally.

Gorgeous Kittens

Our cat had kittens three weeks ago.Sooo sweet and such a great adventure for the children, and educational too. We will get to enjoy them for a few weeks and then they are off to new homes.