parent involvement in complaints

Today’s Guardian reports a new proposal from the Secretary of State that local authorities set up a panel of volunteer parents to adjudicate on complaints against schools.

There was seemingly a rather tepid reception from the teaching unions and – given the animosity towards some exclusion panels – it will be interesting to see what headteachers make of the proposal.   The idea is to engender more engagement from parents in their childrens’ education – though I would question whether setting up an adversarial process would actually achieve that end.

Update: consultation on the proposals out now

exclusion guidance

fresh out – the annual (!) changes to the DCSF exclusion guidance.