Families who attended the event in October were invited to the Bedford Campus of the University of Bedfordshire after the previous meeting at Bedford College, both are Network partners.

The event began with refreshments and a chance for everyone to catch up, followed by a recap of the actions from the previous meeting.  This confirmed details about exams and careers advice requested by the families.

The group then warmly welcomed Jonathan, 20.  Jonathan studies at Milton Keynes College, another Network partner, on a level 3 Business OCR course.  Jonathan was awarded ‘Student of the Year’ at MK College.  Jonathan was home educated by his supportive mum, Jackie (who also attended the event), from the age of 6 until he joined the college aged 17.  Jonathan explained his journey, reservations about enrolling at his local college and his successes overall.  Jonathan had no formal qualifications when he began at MK College, but found the support available to aid him through the transition was remarkable. 

The Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Collaborative Network would like to extend a massive thank you to Jonathan and Jackie for attending the event and sharing their amazing successes.  We wish you all the best for your future, Jonathan!

Kayte Judge from the Bedford Creative Arts spoke next, describing what the Culture Challenge can offer families.  Kayte showed us around the fantastic website, which included a list of activities to complete the Culture Challenge, in addition to some of the local providers.  The Network is funding £5,000 worth of ‘Culture Vouchers’ for schools to help them access cultural provision.  This offer has kindly been extended to the elected home educated group if they would like to arrange an engagement with an arts event.   

The group also heard from Laura Pottinger from the Place theatre in Bedford, which could be used for an arts workshop funded by a culture voucher.  Laura also highlighted the on-going theatre opportunities and productions coming up.  Ben Scott and Martin Lee from the Early Help team based at Bedford Borough council presented information regarding services which may interest the families which the council provides.  Martin coordinates the Triple P parenting scheme in Bedford and provided a witty account of its benefits, which includes his own experience of the project.

The Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Collaborative Network partners will keep in contact with the elective home education young people and their families to facilitate bespoke events.