Sorry, John....big problems with my computer at the moment..keeps shutting down.....

It is Education which is compulsory, not school. Legally it is the parent's duty to educate their children either through school or 'otherwise' . That's where the name 'Education Otherwise' comes from. They are the people who were so incredibly helpful to us a few years back.

Dave, when my children were at school they had hard wooden chairs to sit on. And they went to a few different schools too. All were the same. My daughter was in school until she ws 15, you know, so yes, I do have a good idea of what goes on. And yes, I helped out in BOTH my children's schools, teaching the children...so believe it or not, shock horror, I DO know what goes on.    Even today, I have friends whose children are in school, and I patiently listen to all their worries and anxieties about their stressed out children...

Turnips. Thank you.