The downside to this is the lack of sporting facilities - unless those loosely joined schools can come up with something between them, which takes a fair amount of co-ordination. I have known several people who home-school or who belong to co-operatives, and have always felt that, while there is a lot that they can do (swimming, ice skating, walking, running, climbing), team sports present a problem.

I realise that my view is likely to be unpopular, since I notice that many people have adopted a cynical view of the value/relevance of team sports, but I also notice that a fairly large percentage of those are not particularly fine examples of glowing good health and vitality. I come from a sporty family and a sporty nation, and have a high regard for the value of physical endeavour, teamwork and healthy competition. In fact, I would offset a lot against the assurance that my sons would have the opportunity to participate in such activities several times a week, if not daily.