ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to introduce some of the alternative educational approaches that are available in the UK and further afield to a wider public in order to raise awareness of different kinds of schooling which exist. It makes the case as to why alternative approaches to education are needed and draws on research and contemporary debates. The book deals with list of schools outside maintained sector where alternative educational philosophies are put into practice. It gives information and advice for teachers and parents on how to go about providing alternative, by setting up school or learning centre, educating at home, or combining conventional school with home-based education in a flexi-time approach. The book plays some part in contributing to dialogue about what education is for and show that there is an alternative to narrow, mechanistic and educationally bankrupt vision of recent Westminster governments.
