GTC's response to Improving Schools and Safeguarding Children Bill

19 November 2009

Responding to the proposals in the Improving Schools and Safeguarding Children Bill published as part of yesterday's Queen's Speech, the General Teaching Council for England says:

'While the Bill offers education leaders and local communities better scope to lead, run and personalise services for children and young people, the GTC believes that the opportunities are less apparent for teachers themselves. Teachers must be encouraged and supported to exercise informed professional judgement that leads to sustained improvements in learning.

'Although the increased emphasis on pupil and parent involvement in learning is welcome, the GTC has previously raised concerns about the notion of formal guarantees. Instead, we would advocate developing constructive and mutually respectful relationships between parents, pupils and teachers.

'We would also like to see a clear focus on measures that encourage parents and pupils to engage in ways that have a positive impact, rather than passively receiving a set of entitlements. Pupils' active engagement in their own learning is key to improved achievement.

'On the licence to practise proposals, the GTC will scrutinise the proposals closely to test whether they will bring real and tangible benefits for teaching and learning. It is vital that the provisions do not add to the burden of accountability on teachers; do not create disproportionate bureaucracy; and are fair and reasonable.'

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