The what, whys and wherefores of home education and its regulation in Australia

This paper presents a unique summary of Australian research on home education, and an evaluation of current regulation in an Australian context. It begins with the recognition that home education is a legal alternative to school education in Australia. However it argues that legal definitions of home education do not properly reflect the practice of home education. This is illustrated by an examination of different educational approaches taken by home educators and research on the socialisation of home educated children in Australia. Research on who chooses home education, why people choose home education and the educational outcomes for home educated children is also discussed. Home educating families represent all family types, are found in rural, suburban and city locations, and choose home education for a variety of reasons. Research indicates that Australian home educated children have positive educational and social experiences and outcomes. The question of whether, and if so the extent to which, home education should be regulated by the state is examined. The authors argue that whilst regulation is acceptable to protect a child’s right to education, a more consistent regulatory framework is needed across Australia. It is argued that such a framework should facilitate and encourage children who are being home educated and should be flexible enough to accommodate the variety of educational approaches taken to home education.