YOUNG PEOPLE MUST NOT BE SEEN AS TICK-BOX TARGETS - ATL

28 November 2007

Commenting on the Education and Skills Bill, Martin Johnson, acting deputy general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said:

“We support making education or training compulsory to 18, since it will raise pupils’ achievement nationally, and it should ensure the most disadvantaged are not ignored. 

“Young people must be seen as partners in their learning - not units of cost or tick-box targets.  It should not be forgotten that some of them - those who are carers, with children, disabilities, or special educational needs - will require specific help and support to access training or apprenticeships.

“We are pleased local authorities and schools will have to provide independent careers advice and educational guidance to help young people find the most appropriate courses or careers for them.

“We agree the Learning and Skills Council should focus on apprenticeships and the ambitious expansion of places. 

“But the Government has to make sure all training is properly defined and accredited, young people are not forced into a target-driven culture, and employers provide proper training.  It must ensure any new apprenticeships are for viable jobs with futures, and not McJobs just created to take unemployed youngsters off the streets. 

“The Government’s plans will be hamstrung unless it ends its neglect of further education.  It must end the inequality in pay for further education staff, who are paid less than those working in school sixth forms, and provide equal funding for FE colleges.  And it must give details of how the collaboration between schools and colleges will work.

“Making Ofsted responsible for inspecting independent schools should make inspections more transparent and provide a proper complaints system, instead of the current totally unsatisfactory, unaccountable system.

“We hope that making everyone involved in the education and training of 14-19 year olds collaborate will focus provision on the best interests of all children.”

For further information please contact the ATL press office on 0207 782 1589 or visit our website www.atl.org.uk.