NUT: David Cameron’s assertion that free schools work “doesn’t stand up”
Commenting on today’s announcement that 102 new free schools have been approved to open in 2013 and beyond, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the NUT, the largest teachers’ union said:
“David Cameron’s assertion that there is a ‘clear and unambiguous’ message that Free Schools are working doesn’t stand up. The process for approving these new schools is deeply flawed. Local authorities have no say in the process and the views of local school communities are simply ignored.
“It is irresponsible that the Government is throwing vast sums of money at schools which in many cases are duplicating services and causing chaos for any proper school place planning.
“The NUT is continuing to demand that the Secretary of State release the impact assessments that he is obliged to carry out under Section 9 of the Academies Act 2010. He is obliged to consider the impact of free schools on neighbouring schools and colleges. The NUT is not convinced that, had he carried out this duty properly, many of these schools would have been approved to open. This continued refusal to release these impact assessments is beginning to look as though there is something to hide.
“It is high quality teaching that drives up standards and the Prime Minister and Secretary of State should be investing in that, not in unnecessary and unwanted free schools.”
END PR183-2012
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