28 September 2007
The government's forthcoming ten-year strategy for children must address the educational needs of the most disadvantaged and disaffected youngsters, experts said this week.
Preparation for the strategy, known as the Children's Plan, is beginning with a series of consultation sessions around the country under the heading 'Time to Talk', the first four of which take place on September 29.
Ahead of this session, Public Finance spoke to major stakeholders, who identified curriculum reform and keeping children interested in learning as vital issues.
Martin Johnson, acting deputy general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers union, said there was a conflict between the government's efforts to raise standards in schools and its intention to close the attainment gap.
Standards-raising interventions did work overall, but left struggling pupils behind.
'ATL's view is that the ten-year Children's Plan will not be worth very much unless it addresses the fact that those two agendas are incompatible,' he said.
'If we have a wish, it is that the weight of assessment between the ages of five and 16 is lifted, the rationale being that constant assessment creates failure within our system, reduces self-esteem and motivation, and depresses achievement.'
The Local Government Association told PF it was also concerned with curriculum reform, particularly about how to reach those with low aspirations and keep them interested in learning.
'Is what we're going to deliver in the future going to be right for them?', a spokesman asked. 'How are you going to ensure that they are in school or in whatever setting they're supposed to be receiving their education and training in? Do you use the stick approach and enforcement, or do you try to ensure whatever you use is right for them?'
PFsep2007
