|
Kennedy unveils education plans
Charles Kennedy has set out Liberal Democrat plans to build the education system around the needs of individual pupils.
Delivering a keynote address on the same day that the government sets out its education strategy, the Lib Dem leader unveiled plans for a "pupils' guarantee".
The policy will include smaller classes, fewer tests and a "personalised curriculum".
Lib Dems are set to reject the "choice" model offered by both Labour and the Conservatives in favour of ensuring the delivery of high quality local services.
"We've heard much from the other two parties about choice as a panacea for improving standards. Yet young people are seldom - if ever - mentioned," Kennedy told his audience.
"The 'pupil guarantee' says to every child and every parent that they will receive a quality education close to home."
While not ruling out greater diversity among state schools - a key plank of the government's policies - the Lib Dem chief ruled out greater selection.
He also insisted that "a state-funded school must accept a minimum set curriculum and apply national standards and accept inspection".
As part of that drive, Kennedy is also likely to pledge to scrap any moves to create more "city academies", saying they lead to a two tier school system.
|
