Score interview points with information, says Barbara Oaff
Freedom of Information Act
Passed earlier this year, it gives the public access to information once deemed off-limits. Schools have had a year to get records in order so a request to see anything can be produced within 20 days.
See: www.teachernet.gov.ukmanagementatozffreedomofinformationforschools
The Children Act
Introduced in 2004, it changed the delivery of children’s services. With the exception of schools it has compelled other agencies from health trusts to the police to work closer. There is a Children’s Commissioner to voice young people’s views to the powers that be.
See: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
Attendance
Since 1997, the Government has spent pound;885 million on trying to raise attendance, rolling out measures from police-managed truancy sweeps to fines for parents who take their children on term-time jaunts. The result? Unauthorised absences have risen; an estimated extra 2,000 pupils are out of school daily.
See: www.dfes.gov.ukpnsDisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2004_0157
Inclusion
It’s crucial to cultivate a “zero tolerance” of ethnic prejudice. The newest study found that those born in Scotland can feel like “outsiders”.
See: www.teachernet.gov.ukwholeschoolfaithschoolsexamplessocialinclusion
Differentiation
This is centred on “teaching the whole child” from interpreting the curriculum flexibly to providing individualised pastoral care. Current debate has broadened from those with physical, mental and behavioural challenges, to those with different learning styles and high abilities.
See: www.teachernet.gov.ukteachinginenglanddetail.cfm?id=465
Bullying
This has pushed its way up the agenda. The Government, which annually spends pound;200 million on the problem, has formed the Anti-Bullying Alliance to provide schools with “coping strategies”. Other initiatives include celebrity endorsed wristbands and a conference later this year.
See: www.ncb.org.ukaba.