CO-OPERATIVE SCHOOLS

8 NOVEMBER 2007

Commenting on David Cameron’s speech “ Launch of Breakthrough Manchester Report”  Sinnott General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teaching union said:

“David Cameron has neglected to mention that there is a major democratic deficit in the running of schools. Private companies can now take over schools. Under the Conservative leader’s proposals groups of parents can do the same.

“The losers from both approaches are local communities themselves. Leaving the creation of schools to a local market creates social segregation.

“Co-operatives have a proud and noble tradition. I am glad he has recognised that but they will not address the core problem facing the education service- the fragmentation of school provision”