A change to the Children Schools and Families Bill has led to accusations that the Government has departed from its commitment to giving all children the right to quality sex and relationship education.

From 2011, schools will be required to teach pupils from the age of 7 about relationships, including same sex relationships, as part of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. However, the recent amendment will allow faith schools to teach PSHE in a way that reflects the school’s religious character.

The DCSF argues that this is not an opt-out provision for faith schools but secular groups are adamant that the change will encourage discriminatory teachings. The British Humanist Association said “the amendment effectively gives licence to faith schools to teach sex and relationships education in ways that are homophobic and gender discriminatory”.

Should schools’ rights to promote the values of their faith in lessons override children’s rights to receive balanced information on any subject from an early age?

Posted by Mark Blois
0115 976 6087
mblois@brownejacobson.com

In March 2009, the government over-hauled the way students from outside the EEA and Switzerland gain entry to study in the UK.  Further to our article in Issue 9 of Education Update, Tier 4 management system: are partnership agreements the answer? the Home Office have announced that phase 4 of this new schemewill go live on the 22nd February. 

Once the fourth phase commences, visa letters will be obsolete and schools who sponsor international students will have to use the sponsorship management system to issue confirmation of acceptance to study.

The new streamlined scheme aims to stop fraudulent applications by students and institutions – with the fees from international students generating £2.5 billion a year there has been huge scope for abuse. 

With much emphasis placed on partnership working in the education sector should schools collaborate and share the administrative burden by joining forces?  This will mean students only need one visa and school will share the administration and costs.  On the other hand, it may lead to issues if one institution omits to fulfil their obligations or fails in their duties meaning both institutions would be held accountable given the singular nature of the application. 

Time will tell whether or not this more onerous system to tighten security will force schools to collaborate given the inevitable issues the scheme will throw their way.

Posted by Mark Blois
0115 976 6087
mblois@brownejacobson.com

Tougher action against the thousands of parents who lie to get their children into popular schools was demanded by the Chief Schools Adjudicator, Ian Craig, in his report on fraudulent or misleading applications to schools. He recommended that parents who are found to have won a place by deception should not have priority over other children if and when they have younger children applying to the school. The inquiry also says that “additional sanctions” are needed, “probably through the courts”, suggesting parents could face criminal proceedings.

A survey of 123 authorities found that two-fifths stated that current sanctions are not enough, is it not simply a matter of time before both Ed Balls and Ian Craig are forced to impose tougher penalties for lying parents?

Posted by Mark Blois
0115 976 6087
mblois@brownejacobson.com

A review of primary education announced today that there is no evidence that children who start formal education before the age of 5 gain any advantage over their peers. The study suggested it can actually do some harm.

The Cambridge Primary Review proposes extending the Early Years Foundation Stage past the age of 5 bringing English children in line with many European countries, where standards are often higher. The review stops short of stating compulsory schooling should start at 6, but does open up the debate on the subject.

Vernon Coaker said the government is already reforming primary education and so feels that delaying the starting age would be counter-productive.

Posted by Mark Blois
0115 976 6087
mblois@brownejacobson.com