Alternative White Paper - NUT reaction

14 December 2005

Commenting on “Shaping the education White Paper: reaching for consensus” published today by a group of Labour back bench MPs, Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the 267,000 strong NUT said:

“This initiative couldn’t have come at a better time. It represents a genuine and welcome breath of fresh air.

“The Government’s White Paper is fundamentally flawed. No evidence exists to back its argument for dismantling local authority planning powers and school admissions arrangements. On the contrary, the evidence is that the White Paper’s plans will damage the country’s most fragile and socially deprived communities.

“Indeed, the evidence, including the Prime Minister’s favoured Swedish model, shows that the White Paper’s proposals would lead to an increase in social and ethnic segregation.

“The irony is that the Prime Minister says this is not what he wants. He needs to take a deep breath, stand back and think again.

“The alternative white paper must be the trigger for genuine consultation with MPs, teachers and all those concerned with England’s education service.

“The alternative proposal for a statutory code on admissions and approval of local policies is a sensible and fair alternative to the chaotic, free for all envisaged by the Government.

“No sensible Government would consider the unfettered expansion of individual schools. The very nature of the school would change whilst damaging provision at surrounding schools.

“The MPs’ scheme involving local authorities, allows the interests of the whole community to be paramount rather than the misguided self-interest of the articulate parent.

“The trust school model proposed by Government would reduce parents’ involvement. Their support and co-operation for their children’s education is crucial but parents do not want to be involved in the organisation and running of the schools.”