ATL COMMENT ON THE PRIMARY REVIEW - CHILDREN’S LIVES AND VOICES: RESEARCH ON CHILDREN AT HOME AND SCHOOL

23 November 2007

Nansi Ellis, acting head of education policy at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said:

“Robin Alexander’s Primary Review is throwing useful light into aspects of children’s lives which affect their education, but which Government policy too often fails to adequately address.

“In particular, it’s good to see a spotlight on family life since this has a major impact on children’s aspirations and how well they do at school and later life.  While the ideal would be for every child to have a supportive family which cares about education, this is not the reality for many children.  Government and school policy and practice have to reflect this reality.  It is unfair to penalise those children who parents struggle to find the time or lack the ability to help with their school work, or children whose parents do not value education. 

“It is also important to take account of pupils’ views.  Allowing children to take an active role in their learning should help improve results, their behaviour and enjoyment of learning.”