Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, responds to the education measures outlined in the King’s Speech.
“We welcome many of the measures outlined by the new government and we look forward to working with ministers and officials on the detail of these proposals. At the heart of these policies, there is clearly a burning desire to tackle inequities and improve the life chances of vulnerable and disadvantaged children. We fully support that direction of travel – it is long overdue. However, there is a vital missing ingredient to these plans as they currently stand and that is the question of ensuring that schools and colleges are sufficiently funded not only to deal with the current huge financial pressures they are facing but in order to be sustainable in the future. We recognise that national finances are tight, but this nettle simply must be grasped when the government sets out its spending plans in the autumn.
Children not-in-school registers
“A mandatory register of children who are not in school is badly needed and long overdue. Local authorities must be able to keep a track of children to ensure they are not at risk and that they are receiving an appropriate standard of education. At the moment, the system is patchy and there are children who fall through the gaps.
Breakfast clubs in every primary school
“Ensuring that children are able to start the day with a good breakfast is of obvious benefit to their wellbeing and will mean they are ready to learn. It is vitally important that this provision is properly funded and resourced.
Limit on number of branded items of uniform
“A legal cap on the number of branded items of school uniform was expected and something that most schools recognise already, particularly given the high rate of child poverty and cost-of-living pressures.
Requiring all schools to teach the national curriculum
“This measure is linked to Labour’s planned curriculum and assessment review. It will clearly need careful handling not only to ensure that the resulting curriculum is right for pupils but that schools and teachers have sufficient time to adapt to any changes.
Bringing multi-academy trusts into the inspection system
“While the principle is sensible, delivering this policy does require careful thought. It will need the creation of an appropriate framework and assurance that Ofsted has inspectors with the experience and expertise to inspect MATs.
Levying VAT on independent schools
“Independent schools fear this policy will have a serious impact on staff and students with some schools likely to face closure. The policy does need to be fully modelled and consulted upon to understand the implications. It will not in itself address the funding crisis facing schools and colleges. That requires a general uplift in funding rates.”