What kind of person have they chosen to conduct this *independent review* then?

Graham Badman CBE MA has more than 40 years of experience in education, including being a teacher, Headteacher, inspector and chief education officer.

Graham began his career in education as a Secondary Science Teacher later becoming Head of a Science Department. From 1971-1985 he worked first as Deputy Headteacher and then as Headteacher in Cornwall.

In 1985 he joined Oxfordshire LEA as a Schools' Adviser where he remained before taking up the post of Chief Adviser to Avon County Council in 1988. He became Director of Education in 1991 and in 1994 he took over responsibility for the reorganisation of local government in Avon, following the retirement of the Chief Executive.

In May 1996 he re-joined Oxfordshire LEA, this time as Chief Education Officer. In July 1997 he was appointed as a Specialist Adviser to the Education and Employment Parliamentary Select Committee.

Graham became Strategic Director for KCC Education and Libraries on 1 January 2002. He became Managing Director, Children, Families and Education Directorate with effect from 1 April 2006, with additional responsibilities for child health services from September 2007.

- Kent County Council

So, no experience of home education whatsoever. With that kind of a résumé, how is he not going to 'review' our situation through school-oriented eyes?

For the review to have been truly independent, we'd surely have had some say in this appointment.

Is there anything to stop us carrying out our own *independent review*? At least we'd have something with which to counter his report.