Category Archives: Education

The Blair Government invested heavily in early years education and the Cameron Government began well by promising to retain childrens centres. That has become one more piece of this Governments hyperbole at best. The truth was that Blairs reforms did not go far enough and now the ground is being moved from under our childrens feet. No stone should be left unturned as we protect the future of our next generation.

OFSTED being starved of funds?

Posted on October 29, 2015 by ianchisnall

In April 2013 Sir Michael Wilshaw, Chief Inspector at OFSTED made an announcement regarding the way in which they inspect local government. He said that “following discussions with local government representatives and after assessing the results of initial pilots, he had taken … Continue reading →

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A clash of thinking

Posted on October 27, 2015 by ianchisnall

Last night on Newsnight Jacob Rees Mogg, raised his well rehearsed arguments about how the Lords had got above themselves and that this vote against a matter involving spending was a constitutional outrage. However Baroness Hollis took merely a few … Continue reading →

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Best education for all pupils

Posted on October 25, 2015 by ianchisnall

A question in the House of Commons on Thursday raised the issue of how our Trainee Teachers are prepared to educate pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The question was answered by Nick Gibb (Minister for Schools and MP for Bognor Regis and … Continue reading →

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sugar coated ignorance part 2

Posted on October 24, 2015 by ianchisnall

I wrote yesterday and on Tuesday about the Governments apparent failure to read its own report on sugar related matters (Public Health England’s “Sugar reduction: the evidence for action”) and their unwillingness to impose a sugar tax on unhealthy food. One vital … Continue reading →

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The Lords bite back

Posted on October 17, 2015 by ianchisnall

It is easy to assume that the House of Lords is a bit of a toothless body when it comes to dealing with the business of Government. They can delay legislation and often amend it but are rarely in a … Continue reading →

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Education based on half truths

Posted on October 16, 2015 by ianchisnall

The announcement from the Government that it was overturning its previous judgement preventing Kent County Council from building a new Grammar School in Sevenoaks under the guise of a link to the Weald of Kent School in Tonbridge demonstrates that Nicky Morgan is no longer … Continue reading →

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The Homework ate our Government

Posted on September 20, 2015 by ianchisnall

A fascinating exchange took place in Parliament on Wednesday when Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West asked a question that is relevant for all teachers and potentially all students and parents: Department for Education – Classroom Assistants To ask … Continue reading →

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When were you planning to consult us?

Posted on September 15, 2015 by ianchisnall

For several years the City Council here in Brighton & Hove have been involved in discussions with their colleagues in Adur & Worthing, Mid Sussex and Lewes to explore a concept they call the Greater Brighton Economic Area. The idea … Continue reading →

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Time for a U Turn

Posted on July 27, 2015 by ianchisnall

One of the very positive impacts of the Blair Government came as a consequence of his speech on education. The realisation that investment in early year’s education and the need to raise the profile and standards of those who work … Continue reading →

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The Problem with Apprenticeships

Posted on July 4, 2015 by ianchisnall

I have the privilege of working for a company that is expanding, and we have recently taken on a new employee. It has been a great disappointment for us that despite the various incentives on offer, we cannot take advantage … Continue reading →

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