LETTERS Educating Peter
Sir: I'm pleased that Peter Hitchens has such an interest in the history of Sheffield (Blunkett past and present', 18 April). However, I do take issue with his ridiculous characterisation of the government's educa- tion policies. I know it is difficult for some (present-day) Tories to accept that a Labour government is taking real action to improve standards or to promote diversity, hence the odd characterisation of my 'main policies' on standards.
Literacy and numeracy are my top priori- ties. That is why I have set minimum stan- dards and expectations for schools. It is why, for the first time in recent years, I have published a framework which ensures that children learn phonics in the early years, as well as having clear instruction in grammar and spelling. It is why we will ensure that the skill of mental arithmetic is a part of our numeracy strategy. It is hardly `social engineering' to expect children leav- ing primary school to have a better grasp of the basics than has been deemed accept- able in recent years. Summer literacy and numeracy schools are intended to provide extra tuition for those pupils whose teaching (under the pre- vious government) did not bring them up to standard before entering secondary school — and have been welcomed as such. We are also addressing the inadequacy of teacher training, something the Conserva- tives singularly failed to do despite 18 years of lame promises. Contrary to Peter Hitchens's assertions, I am very clearly committed to diversity in education. That is why I have accelerated the specialist schools programme, so that there will be 450 schools specialising in technology, languages, arts and sports by 2002. It is also why we are introducing three categories of schools — including foundation schools, which we have worked closely with grant-maintained schools to develop — rather than one. The recent publication of an LEA code of practice Widely welcomed by schools — very clearly limits the powers of local education author- ities and will be followed by greater levels of financial delegation to schools. Our programme is designed to raise stan- dards in state schools significantly. It is backed by extra resources and clear targets, as well as my own personal commitment and that of the Prime Minister. I have never argued that equality of outcome is desirable or achievable. I do believe, how- ever, that education is the best way to pro- vide equality of opportunity and thus lift People out of poverty so that they have the oPportunity to earn and help themselves and their families.
David Blunkett
House of Commons, London SW1
Previous page
