NUT: Low take up of Synthetic Phonics in schools
Commenting on the Department of Education’s latest announcement on the number of schools taking up the Government’s new phonics products and training, and their disappointment that the take up has not been higher, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union, said:
“As with the academies programme the Government is determined that all those authorities and schools which do not see the merits of synthetic phonics will be bullied, harassed, named and shamed until they feel they have no choice but to accept the latest dictat from above.
“This is extraordinary behaviour from a Department whose ministers have made much of trusting the profession and allowing those who know to get on with it. Riding roughshod over the views of teachers, head teachers and communities is now regrettably becoming an almost daily occurrence.
“Synthetic phonics is one way of teaching reading but it is not the only one. A message has been given loud and clear to the Government by professionals that they want the freedom to adopt whatever method best suits their children and not be pushed down a one-size-fits-all route. That approach would most certainly be failing our children and young people.”
END pr09-2012
For further information contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706 or 07879480061
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