General Election Day Twenty Eight: Schools and P.A.C.T.

In the recent election hustings debate (last Thursday), a main disagreement between myself and the Labour Candidate came over discussion over Conservative Education Policy.

As well as focusing on parental choice, improving standards and giving teachers greater discipline rights, a central plank is to allow parents and charities to set up their own schools. Money would follow parents and pupils, with more cash allocated to deprived areas. My opponents response to this was that no parent in Harlow would want to set up their own schools.

I disagreed heartily, arguing that this view was somewhat patronising. Harlow parents were different to no other parents around the country, and if given the chance would want to establish their own schools. My view was confirmed today by chance, when I met some parents of autistic children in Harlow.

These parents have set up a group called P.A.C.T (Parents of Autistic Children Together). They told me - without prompting - that they would be very keen to set up a school in Harlow for Autistic Children. It was good to meet these parents, and I would welcome the opportunity to assist them in their objectives. If a Conservative Government comes to pass on Thursday, their task will be made that much easier.

P.S. The New Schools Network is already helping parents and charitable organisations set up new schools. You can read more about them HERE.

P.P.S. The picture shows me at Downs School in the New Library at an earlier visit.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com