Schools, early years and childcare

The National Curriculum tests and assessment arrangements are developed and administered by the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA), on behalf of the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. Information to support these arrangements is provided both electronically and in paper form through the QCDA’s website at www.qcda.gov.uk. You can write to the QCDA at:

QCDA
83 Piccadilly
London W1J 8QA

Phone: 0207 509 5555

• You may also be interested in looking at details of the GCSE qualification at: www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039024.
• The Connexions service is for all children and young people aged 13-19 years living in England and its services and responsibilities cover children and young people who are being educated at home.
• Information on home education can also be found on the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/ChoosingASchool/DG_4016124.
• Some documents distributed by the DCSF publications centre can be accessed through The Stationery Office website at www.tso.co.uk or by telephoning Prolog on 0845 602 2260. Some of these are priced, so parents will need to check the costs before ordering.
• Parents with younger children may also find it helpful to access a website about Digger and the Gang: www.bbc.co.uk/education/schools/digger. This is for five to 11 year-olds and aims to help children find out more about the ideas behind the National Curriculum and how different parts of the National Curriculum work together to fit into the greater scheme of things.
• Other useful links on the BBC's website are: www.bbc.co.uk/learning/index.shtml and www.bbc.co.uk/schools/index.shtml.

Independent organisations that deal with issues surrounding home education

Education Otherwise

A UK-based membership organisation that provides support and information for families whose children are being educated outside school and for those who wish to uphold the freedom of families to take proper responsibility for the education of their children.

Contact:

Education Otherwise Association Limited
PO Box 325
St Germans
Kings Lynn
Norfolk PE34 3XW
Phone: 0845 478 6345
Website: www.education-otherwise.org.uk

Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS)

A national home education charity based in the United Kingdom. It is dedicated to the provision of advice and practical support for families who wish to educate their children at home in preference to sending them to school. Interest in home education is increasing and HEAS recognises that reliable information should be available for everyone.

Contact:

Home Education Advisory Service
PO Box 98
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire AL8 6AN
Phone: 01707 371854
Website: www.heas.org.uk

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