Radical School Reforms Promised

Schools Secretary Ed Balls has set out radical new school reforms to build on the significant improvements made in the last decade, create a world-class education system and build a strong economy and workforce for the future.

The ‘Your Child, Your Schools, Our Future’ White Paper sets out a statutory Pupil and Parent Guarantee underpinned by legislation, which sets out what every young person should get during their school careers along with guidelines for what parents should expect.

The Pupil Guarantee including one-to-one or small-group tuition for pupils falling behind at primary and the first year in secondary school – with a progress check at Year 7, specialist outside help for pupils with health and social problems, a personal tutor at secondary school and the opportunity for all pupils to have a clear say on how their school is doing and how it could be improved.

The new Parent Guarantee includes tougher Home-School Agreements, so every family understands their responsibilities and Heads can take action against parents with the worst behaved children if they do not comply. It also outlines a clear, straightforward and effective complaints procedure for parents and pupils not getting their entitlements

The White Paper includes guidelines for School Report Cards, which will give parents all the information they need including academic results, pupils’ progress and other parents views.

It also proposes reforms to the school system including Accredited School Groups – chains of schools, directly run by the best education providers that will give schools new freedoms to drive up teaching standards and introduce innovative approaches.