Responding to the education measures outlined in the King's
Speech, Pepe Di'Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of
School and College Leaders, said:
“We welcome many of the measures outlined by the new government
and we look forward to working with ministers and officials on
the detail of these proposals. At the heart of these policies,
there is clearly a burning desire to tackle inequities and
improve the life chances of vulnerable and disadvantaged
children. We fully support that direction of travel – it is long
overdue. However, there is a vital missing ingredient to these
plans as they currently stand and that is the question of
ensuring that schools and colleges are sufficiently funded not
only to deal with the current huge financial pressures they are
facing but in order to be sustainable in the future. We recognise
that national finances are tight, but this nettle simply must be
grasped when the government sets out its spending plans in the
autumn.
Children not-in-school registers
“A mandatory register of children who are not in school is badly
needed and long overdue. Local authorities must be able to keep a
track of children to ensure they are not at risk and that they
are receiving an appropriate standard of education. At the
moment, the system is patchy and there are children who fall
through the gaps.
Breakfast clubs in every primary school
“Ensuring that children are able to start the day with a good
breakfast is of obvious benefit to their wellbeing and will mean
they are ready to learn. It is vitally important that this
provision is properly funded and resourced.
Limit on number of branded items of uniform
“A legal cap on the number of branded items of school uniform was
expected and something that most schools recognise already,
particularly given the high rate of child poverty and
cost-of-living pressures.
Requiring all schools to teach the national
curriculum
“This measure is linked to Labour's planned curriculum and
assessment review. It will clearly need careful handling not only
to ensure that the resulting curriculum is right for pupils but
that schools and teachers have sufficient time to adapt to any
changes.
Bringing multi-academy trusts into the inspection
system
“While the principle is sensible, delivering this policy does
require careful thought. It will need the creation of an
appropriate framework and assurance that Ofsted has inspectors
with the experience and expertise to inspect MATs.
Levying VAT on independent schools
“Independent schools fear this policy will have a serious impact
on staff and students with some schools likely to face closure.
The policy does need to be fully modelled and consulted upon to
understand the implications. It will not in itself address the
funding crisis facing schools and colleges. That requires a
general uplift in funding rates.”
