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[Nickbat]

I collected my son today (Year 4) and was treated to a long story about a "bad man" who wants to stop teachers getting pay rises, shorten school holidays and lengthen the school day. He also wants teachers to be paid only for teaching and not for planning lessons. This man has no background in teaching. That is why the teachers are going to march down the street to try and make him change his mind.

My son has just turned 9. I expect his classroom time to be spent learning the national curriculum, not listening to a 20-minute (apparently) one-sided presentation of a political issue.

I don't care whether the teachers have a valid grievance or not. I am seething with anger that a teacher should choose to wilfully ignore Section 407 of the Education Act 1996, which states:

407 Duty to secure balanced treatment of political issues
(1) The local education authority, governing body and head teacher shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils while they are —
(a) in attendance at a maintained school, or
(b) taking part in extra-curricular activities which are provided or organised for registered pupils at the school by or on behalf of the school, they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.

Rant over. 
 

[MR MISTER]

That is way beyond the pale and should be followed up, Nick. I thought the days of leftie beatniks infesting our classrooms and social services had been left far behind. Apparently not.

[Nickbat]

That is way beyond the pale and should be followed up, Nick. I thought the days of leftie beatniks infesting our classrooms and social services had been left far behind. Apparently not.

Thanks, Steve. I have just emailed the Head and told her to treat it as an official complaint, warranting a response which, if not to my satisfaction, may result in the matter being taken up with the governing body.

You're correct about the leftie's, but I would feel just as angry if it was coming from the Right. At the age of 9, I expect my son to be taught the basic curriculum. That valuable teaching time should be taken up with any one-sided political presentation is wrong on a number of levels.

[Kevin Wood]

I can remember innocently asking my teachers why they were striking, probably at a similar age. None of them would enter into any conversation whatsoever about it, and rightly so. 

[I_want_an_Omega]

I can remember innocently asking my teachers why they were striking, probably at a similar age. None of them would enter into any conversation whatsoever about it, and rightly so. 

+1

[pscocoa]

Nick - very important to follow up on this stuff even if they are able to explain it away. It does keep people on toes.

[MR MISTER]

Nick - very important to follow up on this stuff even if they are able to explain it away. It does keep people on toes.

Sorry, just done a gixer.

[Andy B]

....
Sorry, just done a gixer.

Got in the bath with your fluffy pants on?   

[MR MISTER]

....
Sorry, just done a gixer.

Got in the bath with your fluffy pants on?   

No. Posted in the wrong thread.