Parents are a force of conservatism

EDUCATION Secretary David Blunkett has admitted that “antagonistic” parents are one of the worst barriers to improving school standards. He claims that a significant minority of parents, largely from working-class homes, resent the Government’s crusade to lift aspirations and improve basic skills. Some teachers are even being verally abused by aggressive parents who feel undermined by their children’s new abilities and expectations.

His remarks have been welcomed by parents’ groups and teachers’ leaders. Teachers, in particular, are clearly relieved that the Government has recognised they are not the worst or, indeed, the only “force of conservatism” in the education system.

Leader, Monday