PLACE is a Parent-Led and Community-Based Education Project that operates through the Full-Service Extended School initiative.  It is a pilot scheme supported by the DCSF Innovations Unit and looks towards the goal of personalised learning.  Children enrolled with PLACE are all home educated, meaning, of course, that they receive the ultimate in individualised education!  Children of compulsory full-time educational age (ie from age 5), who are home-educated and who live in Bedfordshire can benefit from this scheme.

The PLACE project also receives support from two local partner schools: Biddenham Upper School & Community College and Queens Park Lower School in Bedford.  Both schools have been instrumental in offering guidance with GCSE examinations and with general learning support, as well as help and expertise with special needs issues.

The aim of the PLACE scheme is "to provide the kind of support home educating parents want for their children", whilst the goal of the project is to help our children to get the most out of their home education.

The PLACE project is managed and administered by a Co-ordinator, June McDonald, who is currently home educating her own children and who has been active in home education for well over 20 years.

 PLACE offers registered children:-

• A network of  home educating families providing mutual support, contact, friendship and information

• Free special classes for those with different skills, experience and aspiration - up to GCSE examination level
• Funded (free or heavily subsidised) enrichment activities including art, sport and educational outings
• Funded resources purchased both directly for young people and via our Resources Centre (TOP)
• Access to advice and specialist support (particularly useful if you have a child with special needs)
• Entry and preparation for public exams
• Other support measures by agreement (ask the Co-ordinator)

PLACE is now in iits fifth year of operation - we registered our first home-educated students with the project in September 2004.