Why does education policy so often seem designed for large inner-city secondary schools when there are so many more little primaries like mine? The legislation on the new governing bodies says we must co-opt governors representing local businesses, presumably to encourage involvement or even investment. I wish.
In a small village, the business community is already at full stretch providing local schools with raffle prizes or the occasional football strip. A new sports hall is probably out of the question even if we appoint the managing director as chair of the finance committee.
Our local authority suggests that we approach companies that are Investors in People, on the grounds that they will be committed to the personal and professional development of their staff.
Good idea, although I’m not sure quite how experience in running the bottle stall, supervising the zoo trip and monitoring the numeracy hour will directly benefit the employers.
My own school is working towards Investors in People standards, but we cannot pay our support staff for their increasing skills or offer a career ladder for teachers. In a small school training often means we are equipping staff with the means to move on. Will the budget stretch to another set of leaving presents?
