'Flawed' grammars chool plan slated

JULIA TURNER

LIBERAL Democrats in Oldham have labelled the government's proposal to reintroduce grammar schools to promote social mobility as a "fundamentally flawed notion".

Councillor Julia Turner, education shadow cabinet member, has submitted a formal response on behalf of the Liberal Democrat group on Oldham Council as part of a consultation on the "Schools that Work for Everyone" Green paper, which sets out plans for grammar schools and other education reforms.

Councillor Turner said it is a "fundamentally flawed notion to think that the reintroduction of selective education will somehow level the playing field".

She explained: "As politicians and parents, we are concerned with improving the prospects of all of the children of our borough, not just the few that will benefit from the reintroduction of grammar schools and selective education.

"The government wants to divert attention and resources away from providing more good teachers and more good school places for every child into yet another school restructure that will simply reinforce privilege. These proposals are driven by ideology not practicality.

"In our response, we have called on the government to abandon these proposals and to instead focus on what matters ­- to invest in education and help every child achieve their full potential."

The Oldham Liberal Democrat group said that they are especially concerned for the future education of disabled and special needs pupils and for the provision of early years learning across the borough.

Councillor Turner continued: "In the consultation paper, 'Schools that Work for Everyone', there is not a single mention of disabled pupils and the Department for Education has failed to carry out an equality impact assessment of its proposals as required under the Equality Act 2010.

"In addition, we would endorse the view of the Alliance for Inclusive Education that the policy of increasing selective schools is contrary to new guidance from the United Nations which urges the replacement of segregated education with 'inclusive classroom teaching in accessible learning environments with appropriate supports' and that it may constitute a breach of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities."

She added that the Liberal Democrats will fight for early years provision to ensure all children are given a solid foundation for later learning and personal development."

She told the Chronicle: "As Liberal Democrats, we are particularly proud of the achievements made in early years' provision by our ministers as part of the coalition government, and we will fight to ensure that this provision is not diluted by the current government."