The third way in education

This paper argues for the creation of a mainstream complement to the current school system: that is, learning resource centres for children. A brief overview of some of the voices calling for change is followed by the presentation of assessment data relating to children educated by their parents. The results discussed form part of a wider study that involved 1,000 home-educating families. Among the findings, which were illuminating and often surprising, was the indication that time spent with parents is, perhaps, the most important factor in young children's academic and social development. If children thrive best in the company of their parents, the argument for learning centres that they can visit with parents is clear. The evidence presented below supports the need to think the unthinkable and create a third way in education.