BRISTOL families who educate their children at home met for a picnic yesterday as part of a nationwide campaign to challenge people's views of home schooling.

At the It's The Not Back To School Picnic, one of several organised across the country, it was as much about getting the message across as having fun – with children running around and blowing bubbles in College Green.

Mum-of-two Anita MacCullum, 35, of Bedminster, said: "There are millions of reasons why I chose to home-school my children –it is definitely the right choice for us.

"We are part of a community, people are very supportive and we meet up a lot for group activities. We see home schooling as teaching all the time, rather than sat in lessons."

Holly Crossland, 25, was at the picnic together with her seven-year-old daughter Isis.

Single mum Holly, who lives in east Bristol, said: "People say home-schooled kids don't get a chance to socialise, but Isis is having a great time today playing with all the other children of all ages.

"The word 'home' is actually quite misleading – home is the place where we are for the least amount of time because we are out spending time with other families and groups.

"I work with children, so when it came to the time when I could have sent Isis to school, it didn't seem right to do it when I spend time with children every day."

George MacGregor, 14, of Eastville, has been educated at home for most of his life.

He said: "I mix with plenty of people of all ages – including some that do go to school. I like being taught at home, but it does require lots of self-motivation from me and my parents."