Are You Listening Now! You may have seen the hashtag floating about on social media but in today’s blog I’m going to explain exactly what the campaign is, and how you can get involved!
Home educators across the UK are uniting under the “Are You Listening Now?” campaign to push back against the proposed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This bill, if passed, will introduce stricter regulations on home education, potentially restricting parents’ ability to tailor learning to their children’s needs. If you are not sure why the bill is problematic to home educators head over to our blog “Why the proposed Children’s wellbeing and schools bill is problematic for home educators” when you have finished here.
The Are You Listening Now campaign aims to raise awareness, mobilise action, and ensure that policymakers like Bridget Phillipson hear the voices of home-educating families.
Why are Home Educators concerned?
Many in the home education community fear that the bill could lead to unnecessary increased government oversight and control, undermining the flexibility and personalised approach that makes home education so effective. The campaign emphasises that home-educating families are already providing a high standard of education without excessive intervention, and they argue that the proposed changes could be unnecessary, intrusive, and even harmful to children’s well-being.
How you can get involved
The campaign has organised a series of online and in-person actions to make an impact. Whether you prefer digital advocacy or attending rallies, there are multiple ways to participate:
1. Join the Social Media Movement
The campaign kicks off with a digital protest on 28th February 2025, encouraging home educators to flood social media with messages under the hashtag #AreYouListeningNow. If you read this once the main event has passed, you can still contribute by sharing your home education experiences, concerns about the bill, and support for the movement using the same hashtag. This Campaign is a marathon not a sprint – the more and longer the hashtag is used the more awareness is spread.
2. Take Part in Daily Advocacy Actions
Throughout early March, campaign organisers will be sharing daily action steps to keep momentum going. These include writing to MPs, sharing educational resources, and spreading awareness through videos and social media posts. Check campaign websites such as Educational Freedom to stay up to date.
3. Attend a Rally on 8 March
A series of regional rallies are being held across England on 8th March 2025 to bring home educators together and demonstrate collective opposition to the bill. These events offer a powerful way to make your voice heard, connect with others, and show the government that home educators will not be ignored.
4. Contact Your MP
Writing to your local Member of Parliament (MP) is one of the most direct ways to influence policy decisions. Explain how the bill could negatively impact your family and emphasise the benefits of home education. Personal stories are particularly impactful, so share your experiences and concerns.
5. Engage with Media and Online Communities
Many home educators feel that mainstream media often misrepresents home education. You can help challenge misinformation by writing to media outlets, commenting on articles, and sharing accurate information. Joining online groups and advocacy networks can also keep you updated and connected with other home educators taking action.
Stay Informed and Keep the Momentum Going
Even after the rallies, the fight isn’t over. The “Are You Listening Now?” campaign will continue pushing for the rights of home educators, so staying engaged is crucial. Keep following home education advocacy websites, support groups, and social media pages to stay informed on the next steps.
For more details and ongoing updates, visit:
Doing Education Differently
Educational Freedom
Home Ed Action
Now is the Time to Act
Home educators know first hand the value of flexibility, creativity, and child-led learning. This bill threatens to restrict those freedoms, and unless action is taken, home education could become more regulated, less accessible, and less effective for families who rely on it.
Whether through social media, writing to MPs, or attending rallies, every action makes a difference. The question is – Are They Listening Now?
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