ATL COMMENT ON NAO REPORT ON 14-19 EDUCATION REFORMS

13 December 2007

Mary Bousted, general secretary at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said:

“The NAO report clearly highlights the lack of proper planning before introducing diplomas or a proper review of 14-19 education to give young people the best choices to suit their needs.

“We are increasingly nervous about these reforms, not least because the Government failed to involve teachers in their review of 14-19 education. 

“Teachers are the ones with the best knowledge about how to educate children and they should be trusted to get on with their job, free from constant interference from the Government, quangos and employers. 

“We are also worried that insufficient thought has been given to how partnerships between education providers will be run and managed.

“You can’t design curriculum reforms on this scale before working out staffing, how the partners will work together and who will be in charge.”