Sutton MPs Tom Brake and Paul Burstow have received a petition from home educators concerned about the recommendations of an upcoming report.

In January 2009, the Government commissioned the Badman Report which insists on closer monitoring of home education as alternative to standard schooling.

The petition calls on MPs to urge Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, not to bring forward proposed legislative measures providing for tighter registration and monitoring of children educated at home.

Paul Burstow said: “It is vital the Government does not tie parents up in red tape.

"Parents who want to educate their children should not feel as if big brother is looking over their shoulder all the time."

Mr Brake said: “Paul and I will present the Government with this petition in the hope it will encourage them to acknowledge the concerns of parents and consider launching a more thorough and independent enquiry into elective home education in England.”

Later on Monday, Mr Brake met Mr Balls but was disappointed by the result. He said: “I regret very much that the Secretary of State has declined to meet parents. He may have listened to them but they remain as worried as ever.”

• What do you think? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a comment below.