Government policy should reflect complexity of children’s needs, says ATL

14 December 2007

In response to the latest research from The Primary Review, Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said:

“ATL calls again on the government to listen to the findings from this round of reports. The reports highlight, once more, the vital role of teachers and support staff in developing curriculum and assessment that meets the needs of the children they teach, rather than categories of children as defined by national data and education policies.

In order to better support those children, teachers need:

• proper recognition as professionals, with opportunities for continual learning and development
• freedom to develop assessment that focuses on children’s needs and interests, rather than whether children have reached a particular level
• a role in the local development of curriculum content, in the context of a skills based national framework
• support to develop teaching based on children’s needs and expressed concerns, and for children to be agents in their own learning
• a government policy that reflects the complexity in classrooms and schools, rather than simplistic solutions that overlook real need – a proper balance between national policy and local professionalism.

“These reports come at a time of intense focus on education following the announcement of the Children’s Plan. ATL hopes that the government will listen to what the professionals are telling them; our children deserve no less. ”

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