NASUWT comments on the Queen’s Speech
Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, said:
“It is deeply disappointing that there is no change signaled in the Queen’s Speech regarding the direction of education policy in the run-up to the General Election.
“The ideological bandwagon continues to roll on academies and free schools, despite the fact that major problems are emerging on an almost daily basis in relation to governance, use of public money and lack of public accountability.
“The Coalition has now confirmed its commitment to its flawed and elitist curriculum and qualifications reforms which are narrowing the entitlements for millions of children and young people.
“The Coalition has identified a need to introduce measures to protect vulnerable children and those at risk of exploitation.
“However, once again there are no provisions being made to address the increasing number of children condemned to grinding poverty and homelessness as a direct result of the Coalition’s economic and social policies.
“Nothing in the Speech will give hope to teachers and other public service workers that their pay, pensions and working conditions will improve.
“Nothing in the Speech will address the continuing high levels of youth unemployment which blights the life chances of young people.
“Nothing in the Speech will alleviate the financial pressures on ordinary working people and their families.
Notes to editors
3.5 million children are living in poverty and the number is set to rise by 600,000 in 2015. (Child Poverty Action Group)
84,000 children were homeless in December 2013 and the figure continues to rise. (Shelter)
Ben Padley,
Press and Media Officer,
Campaigns and Communications,
NASUWT
Hillscourt Education Centre
Rednal
Birmingham
B45 8RS
Direct Line: 0121 457 6269
Mobile: 07785 463 119
-01.png){kind=spacer}