On 8 March, hundreds of parents and their children took to the streets of multiple British cities to protest Labour’s Education Bill.
by Christian Hacking
The protests, held in at least six UK cities, were a response to the “deeply concerning” Children’s Wellbeing and Education Bill. Critics argue that it “threatens educational freedoms and prioritises data collection over children’s actual well-being.” Those who attended were a diverse mix of parents, children, libertarians, Christians, along with a surprising number of teachers, all with their own story to tell.
One geography teacher, Amelia, spoke at the London rally, stating that her school was at capacity already and “can’t manage people who have autism, dyslexia, and other social needs”. She shared that she had been home-educated for ten years, adding that they were the “best years of her life.” Another lady, holding a banner stating “200 schoolchildren commit suicide a year,” pointed out that “schools can’t cope with children’s mental health”.
Rowina Seidler, a mother and former teacher from South London, highlighted issues with safeguarding in schools, pointing out that even the best headteachers “cannot guarantee” that children are “not bullied, exposed to inappropriate material, or touched inappropriately.” Speaking on behalf of all, she praised homeschooling parents as “the most dedicated and sacrificial” and described their children as “happy.” (Photo – Rowina Seidler speaking at the London Rally. Around 250 attended with hundreds more meeting in city across the country)
home-educated for ten years …they were the “best years of her life.”
Matthew, a father whose child has autism and was struggling in school, described how home education transformed his child from being “withdrawn” to “happy.” He said the bill “treats us like criminals” and hopes that, for his son’s sake, “we won’t be forced back.”
Meanwhile, over 50 people attended a gathering in central Birmingham, and around 30 families and children laid out picnic blankets and drew on the pavement with chalk in central Leeds.
Protests were organised in Liverpool, Exeter, Birmingham, Leeds, London, and Manchester. The bill recently passed its third reading and will now be debated in the Lords.
You can keep up with protests on Social Media using hashtag #AreYouListeningNow?