Children’s Plan aims for world class schools
12 Dec 2007
The government has outlined its long term vision to improve schools and support parents and families facing the challenges of the 21st century. The plan sets out reforms in key areas including education, children’s health and welfare, and play and cultural activities.
In education, a focus on creating ‘world class schools’ will see a root and branch review of the primary curriculum undertaken by Sir Jim Rose. The review will be looking at ways to give teachers more flexibility, to create a sharper focus on maths, English and writing, and allow a modern foreign language to be taught. Rose will also be investigating ways of easing the transition from early years into school and will question if school start dates should be flexible for those born in the later summer.
The plan includes a number of ambitious goals to achieve by 2020 include 90% of children reaching expected levels in English and maths by age 11, and gaining the equivalent of five higher level GCSEs by age 19. The government also expects to eradicate child poverty by this date.
Additional support in deprived areas will provide childcare for 20,000 two-year-olds, and parents and carers will be encouraged to develop skills that involve them in their child’s learning.
More activities and places to go will be organised for children outside school, with the aim of moving away from the ‘no ball games’ culture in public spaces to make them more child-friendly. Maximum 20mph speed zones will be set up around areas where children play, particularly parks.
A package of measures to tackle risky behaviour are also being introduced, with £66 million to target young people most at risk of offending. A restorative approach to youth offenders is planned, where they meet those their actions have affected.
Teaching unions gave a cautious welcome to the plan. Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT teaching union said: “Schools will no doubt be able to meet the challenges in the Children’s Plan, providing that it is recognised that they cannot do this alone. Equal pressure and expectation must be applied to all other key players, including parents.”
Association of School and College Leaders General Secretary, Dr John Dunford welcomed the desire to improve children’s wellbeing, but cautioned that the timescales of the reforms should not be rushed: “Ministers must not try to put a ten-year plan in place in three years.”
Key points of the plan include:
- A review of the primary curriculum by Sir Jim Rose, with plans to scrap age-related tests and replace them with tests related to ability stage.
- Personal tutors for each child, to act as the main contact point for parents. * Parent-held records to enable them to track their child’s progress.
- School parent councils to be set up to give parents input into their child’s education
- £225m to build and upgrade playgrounds for the 8-13 age group in deprived communities.
- £160m to improve the quality and range of places for children to go outside school.
- £117m investment in the early years workforce to fund continuing professional development and additional graduate leaders for daycare settings.
- Free daycare for 20,000 two-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- £66m for a package of measures to tackle risky behaviour, including a review of sex education and a youth alcohol plan
- Publication of a Child Health Strategy in Spring 2008.
- Review of mental health services for children and adolescents.
