considering home educating ds1, where do I start?

[GardenShed321]

Just wondering really where to start, pros, cons, etc.
Are there networks of parents of home ed children, do they meet up? What support is available if any?
Where can I access more information, regulations and how I will be assessed/ monitored?
What do I need to consider?
Thanks in advance.

I will bump the standard threads for you.

How old is DS1? If he is in school, you need to de-register. If not, you just don't need to apply for a school place. If you have already accepted one, you should formally decline it otherwise he may be registered in his absence (and he'd be truanting without having set foot in a school).

There are no regulations, no assessment, no monitoring.

Hello GardenShed

The LEA may get in touch with you, especially if you need to deregister.
They could send you a form to complete and return, or could ask for a meeting with you.
If they do contact you it is important for you to respond, but there is no need to accept a visit and they have no right to ask to see your child.
As stated above you don't have to follow any regulations, assessment or monitor. You can H.ed as you feel fit and don't have to follow any curriculum.
Some people buy resources such as work books, or online curriculum, interactive websites etc.
There is no right or wrong way, it is entirely up to you.
What area are you in? There may be others on here near to you.

Thank you - though must say I am pleasantly surprised by the lack of regulation and monitoring.
DS is only 3 so not even applied yet and just thinking in advance. I am concerned at the changes ofsted are discussing and the increasing formality of the school environment. Ds1 is a bright capable child who can count, recite alphabet, recognise numbers, letters and sounds and write a few small words, but all of this has been taught through fun play and at his pace. I remember the first time he wrote his was in the sand at the beach, and he was so happy with himself. I feel perfectly capable of continuing this education at least for the next few years.
I'm in Kent if there are any local networks.

Was supposed to 'first time he wrote his name'!

GardenShed

Well that's the first couple of years at school taken care of. There will be no need for him to go. I often think this about really bright or even gifted children, there must be a time when they are held back, unless they are lucky and get a teacher who is excellent at differentiation.
He sounds like a high flyer and I'm sure you'll have no problems and letting him work at his own pace is something a school couldn't offer.
My dd is gifted (music) and knew more than her primary teachers at 8.

Thank you, I suppose I haven't really thought about him in terms of gifted, he just seems to love to learn and know new things. I was always similar now doing a PhD as I still enjoying learning so much.

My main issue with our education system though is that I believe children will fulfil their full potential if they are happy, emotionally secure and confident. I worry our school system doesn't embrace this and focuses too much on the achievement of set milestones. I know this sounds ironic as Ds doesn't appear to have worries in this area but I do feel as you say above, he'll become a number in the system to be assessed, as soon as he hits certain milestones he'll be put aside.

I would suggest that you join local boards to find out what events and meetings are around in your area. I'll pm you some links. :)

Three tomatoes that is the best autonomous link I have seen yet