21 Jun 2019, 10:09Ian Sweeney (Pastor & BUC President)

Children Not in School Government Consultation: BUC Response

The UK Government as part of the process of framing and passing laws, will often conduct consultations so that professionals and members of the public can give their opinion on the law(s) that are to be framed.

One such consultation is with regard to new laws targeting children, who are 'homeschooled' that is, children who receive their education outside of the state and independent school sector.

The UK Government is seeking "…views on proposed legislation to establish a register maintained by local authorities of children not attending mainstream schools, together with associated duties on parents and the proprietors of certain educational settings…"

(https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-frameworks/children-not-in-school/)

While it is not for me to offer speculation as to the motivation for such proposed legislation and whether this legislation is in the best interests of our Adventist constituency, it is true to say that this legislation will have an impact upon a number of Adventist parents and children.

In consultation with Adventist Education specialists I will be completing the consultation on behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom. However, I would prayerfully ask for our Adventist membership to prayerfully fill out the consultation as well, before the deadline of 24 June, 2019.

The consultation can be found at:

https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-frameworks/children-not-in-school/consultation/intro/

For further reading and background, you might like to consult the following websites:

http://www.adventrlp.com/item/74-children-not-in-school-proposed-legislation-government-consultation

This website is hosted by Dr Brighton Kavaloh whose wealth of knowledge in the area of Religious Liberty is unsurpassed in Adventist circles within the BUC.

https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/public-policy/could-you-respond-to-government-consultations/respond-to-the-children-not-in-school-consultation

This website, which is from the Evangelical Alliance, shares a number of their concerns regarding the proposed legislation.

I would like to thank you for your prayerful and considered response to this call to action.

Additional articles

London Ghana SDA Hosts Ghana High Commissioner as Church Marks Thanksgiving Service

9 Jan 2026

London Ghana SDA Hosts Ghana High Commissioner as Church Marks Thanksgiving Service

On 3 January 2026, the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church held its annual thanksgiving service, highlighted by a visit from Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Her Excellency Mrs Sabah Zita Benson. Addressing the congregation, she praised the church’s youth initiatives and announced a new forum to tackle knife crime among Ghanaian youth in the UK.

“There Is No Place Like Home” – A Sabbath of Worship, Welcome, and Warmth at Clapton

8 Jan 2026

“There Is No Place Like Home” – A Sabbath of Worship, Welcome, and Warmth at Clapton

On 27 December 2025, Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a special Sabbath themed “There Is No Place Like Home,” blending heartfelt worship, spiritual reflection, and community outreach. From a morning Sabbath School breakfast to evening ministry for local mothers, the day affirmed the church’s role as a welcoming spiritual home for all.

Barnet SDA Church Brings Warmth and Care to Tally Ho Corner

7 Jan 2026

Barnet SDA Church Brings Warmth and Care to Tally Ho Corner

On 20 December, Barnet Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Community Services team distributed 45 hygiene packs and hot drinks at Tally Ho Corner, Finchley, attracting interest from passers-by and offering support to those in need. The outreach also promoted the church’s Together We Thrive community space, providing meals, supplies, and companionship to visitors.