We, the undersigned, wish to express our concern regarding the unfair and harmful association between the tragic death of Sara Sharif and the home education community. We call for a correction of the narrative that has unjustly linked the practices of home education to this deeply upsetting case.

While we acknowledge the grief and anger surrounding Sara Sharif’s death, it is important to clarify the facts and ensure that the actions of a few individuals are not used to tarnish an entire, diverse group of families who choose to educate their children at home in a safe, caring, and legally compliant manner.

 1. Sara Sharif’s Death Was the Result of Abuse, Not Home Education:

Sara’s tragic death was due to an abusive environment and systemic failures in the legal and child protection systems—not home education. The family involved was not following the model of responsible home education, and it is critical that the actions of these individuals not be conflated with the practices of the broader home education community.

 2. Home Education Is a Legal and Positive Choice for Families:

Home education is a legitimate, well-regulated practice that provides countless children with the opportunity to learn in a supportive, individualised environment. It allows parents to provide education tailored to their children’s needs and circumstances, fostering positive educational outcomes and emotional well-being.

 3. Home Educators Are Committed to the Welfare of Their Children:

The vast majority of home educators are responsible, caring individuals who place the welfare of their children above all else. Home educators voluntarily engage with local authorities, follow legal frameworks, and ensure that their children receive a high-quality education. It is unjust to target or stigmatise this entire community based on the actions of a small minority.

 4. The Importance of Correcting the Narrative:

The home education community is feeling vulnerable and unfairly blamed for a tragedy that involves issues of abuse and legal oversight, not education. We respectfully request that public commentary, media reports, and official statements reflect a clear distinction between these tragic individual actions and the responsible home education choices of thousands of families.

We call on Dame Rachel de Souza to:

 • Publicly clarify that home education, in its responsible form, is not to blame for the tragic events surrounding Sara Sharif’s death.

 • Correct any misinformation that has unfairly linked the home education community with this case.

 • Ensure that future discussions regarding child safety and education avoid unfair generalisations. 

By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with home educators and work to protect the rights of families who choose this path. We believe that responsible home education should be supported, not stigmatised, and that we must not allow a tragic case to create lasting harm for those who are committed to providing their children with a safe and enriching education.