Since I wrote about the need for submissions on the Education and Training Bill, I've been asked by a number of people to supply example submissions to help them with writing their own, and more info on how to easily make a submission. So here we go..... |
The Steps to Making a Submission
2) Write up your thoughts and comments. I recommend you do this in Word or similar, and convert it to a pdf. You do have the option of typing your submission directly into the online form, but then you will not have your own copy of it, which could be useful, and it's harder to think it through and refine it first. So I believe it's better to write it up on your computer, and then upload the file when you put the submission in as below.
There is a standard format to submissions:
- They should clearly identify the Bill you are submitting on - in this case "Education and Training Bill 193-1"
- You should open with a statement about whether you support or oppose the Bill as a whole, and why
- You can then add specific contents. It is sensible to use headings to identify the sections of the Bill you are commenting on - I use the Subsection numbers and headings from the Bill.
- If you wish, you can include specific suggestions on wording, but you should definitely make clear your recommendations and reasons for them.
- Remember NOT to include your personal contact info in the actual submission, as they will be published publically once they have been read by the Select Committee. The place to put your contact info is in the webform when uploading it.
One of the first questions you will be asked is whether you wish to make an oral submission before the Select Committee. If you do so, it does add strength to your overall submission, but even if you don't think you wish to make an oral submission, I would encourage you to tick YES, and here's why:
- You will be contacted later about making an oral submission. You can always change your mind then.
- There is another option which may be possible - to nominate someone to represent you in the oral submissions. This would give people the option of nominating a representative of homeschooling such as myself, Todd Roughton, regional group leaders or other persons who may be able to do a good job of presenting on behalf of the wider home educating community. If they are nominated by many people, then they will ususally be given additional time to speak and present their case. There is no guarantee this will happen, but it's valuable if it does.