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.

A real page turner?

Posted on August 1, 2014 by ianchisnall

Nicholas William Peter Clegg had an excellent education, studying at Caldicott School and Westminster School followed by Cambridge University and numerous other educational institutions. He now works in a position where he is surrounded by a phalanx of advisers and has access … Continue reading →

Posted in Data Retention and Investigatory Powers, Education, Parliament and Democracy | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The damage continues

Posted on June 9, 2014 by ianchisnall

Yesterday I wrote about the damaging actions of two Cabinet Ministers and Special Advisers to communities 120 miles away from their offices. I did not expect that this would be compounded by the man who is supposed to be in charge … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Parliament and Democracy, Youth Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One size does not feed us all

Posted on May 15, 2014 by ianchisnall

The human food chain is very complex and political, particularly in a wasteful society such as our own. 60M people consume an enormous amount of food each year, and the numbers in terms of weight or cost of the food … Continue reading →

Posted in Charities, Education, Environment, Parliament and Democracy | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Do your homework DfE

Posted on April 8, 2014 by ianchisnall

Infant Schools are currently under intense pressure to deliver hot meals from September despite the lack of appropriate kitchens in many places, and many of their teachers are now also to be used as a source of expertise for the private and voluntary … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Education, Parliament and Democracy | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

At the edge of a precipice?

Posted on April 2, 2014 by ianchisnall

Is our Government letting down young people and as a consequence the rest of us? The theoretical benefit of a fixed 5 year Parliament is that there is no uncertainty, Ministers and their Civil Servants will plan a full 5 year … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Parliament and Democracy, Youth Issues | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

OFSTED needs our help

Posted on March 21, 2014 by ianchisnall

Todays announced changes to the inspection of our Schools will come as good news to anyone who views their actions as potentially as damaging as they can be useful. The need to inspect and offer guidance to any organisation that is funded by public … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Parliament and Democracy, Youth Issues | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

People not policies please

Posted on March 18, 2014 by ianchisnall

This morning the various news channels, which for me is the Radio 4 Today programme, are buzzing with the information that the next election will be fought on the territory of who will be the best at providing education for … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Parliament and Democracy, Youth Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fox in Socks

Posted on March 2, 2014 by ianchisnall

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.” is the strap line for Read Across America, the initiative developed to encourage children of all ages to read. Dr Seuss or … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Parliament and Democracy | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Young Ones

Posted on February 26, 2014 by ianchisnall

The quality of education for our children has led Viviane Reding, the vice president of the European Commission, to warn government ministers that they should focus their energy on raising educational standards instead of blaming the country’s problems on foreigners. Whilst she is … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Parliament and Democracy, Youth Issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Self inflicted wounds

Posted on February 14, 2014 by ianchisnall

Almost half of all 16 and 17-year-olds in the country are missing. From the national electoral register, that is. This means that they won’t be able to vote when they turn 18. This is clearly disturbing and on Tuesday it led Natascha Engel … Continue reading →

Posted in Charities, Education, Lobbying Bill, Parliament and Democracy, Youth Issues | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment