Every school to be an academy?

[CamboricumMinor]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35814215

Apparently this is expected in tomorrow's budget. I'm sure this isn't going to be a good move for school staff but what about the children? I'm not convinced at all.

[BreconBeBuggered]

I'm not convinced it's a good plan either, particularly for small primary schools. I'll be watching the Budget with a good deal of trepidation.

[MrsJorahMormont]

If this is the case, there needs to be public demonstration on a scale never seen before. I don't think people have any understanding of what this will do to state funded education. It will be royally fucked for a generation. Well to do folk won't care because they'll send their children to private schools. It will cement another generation of inequality from cradle to grave.

Some of my friends and family are teachers. They are actively searching for a way out. It is dismal to witness. Talented people fleeing their profession in droves.

[CamboricumMinor]

A relative of mine is a TA, she doesn't want to train as a teacher because she says she has more time to spend with the children in school as a TA rather than a teacher. That's ridiculous, yes?

[thecatfromjapan]

I agree with MrsJorah.

[DoctorDonnaNoble]

More to the point local authorities will lose all power, places at schools will become even more of a free for all.
This was meant to mean more autonomy for schools in theory but how it's happening means we're even more micromanaged than before!

[Heirhelp]

As a teacher I am both horrified and not at all surprised. It is privatisation by the back door.

[thisismypassword]

What does it mean for us teachers? I'm already in an academy and it's shit.

[festivehopeandfrolicks]

Not just forced academisation but they will also be forced to join an academy chain.This is the worst bit in my opinion.

[GraciesMansion]

Teachers will leave in droves - it effectively ends our national teachers pay and conditions and the national curriculum (the latter might not necessarily be a bad thing). The unions will have a thing or two to say about it too I guess. Scary stuff. I work in SEN support services and there is very little the LA can do at present to ensure schools are doing what they should. If this goes ahead there will be no oversight at all - other than OFSTED who don't care about SEN.

[ElementaryMyDear]

The history of academies so far is really not good - there is simply no evidence that this is the answer to all education problems, and in fact there's plenty of evidence that it isn't. There is also far too much evidence that academies are absolutely ruthless with pupils with SEN and disabilities, and many have little regard for the law when it comes to excluding some children or refusing to admit them. The amount of money the government has thrown at academies without anything approaching an adequate return on the investment is frightening.

[megletthesecond]

Who profits from this? (The tories are involved so I'm assuming an old etonian chum is about to land a contract).

[PirateSmile]

I am really shocked, having just read about this. I don't understand academies to be frank. When they say 'every' school, does this mean the private sector too?

[ElementaryMyDear]

No, it couldn't be the private sector.

[sunnydayinmay]

Not unexpected, but still horrific. As a governor, I have attended lectures/training on this subject, and we and our neighbouring twelve primaries all decided not to move away from the local authority.

We have fought to keep the ethos of our school, and I know that we would lose the entire SLT, and most of the staff if we were forced to change.

[ElementaryMyDear]

I wonder how they think that things like SEN provision could work if local authorities have no say in how schools are run? It's difficult enough now in free schools and academies. Yet again, this government abandons the disabled and vulnerable.

[PirateSmile]

I knew that was a stupid question Elementary but this has blown my mind. Essentially, all schools will now be private

[MrsPear]

We were told under no accounts to put down an academy for ds1 due to his disability. Apparently the local ones are known to ignore recommendations and refused to allow adaptions. Does that mean I have to send him to a private school for the deaf - he is only moderate - to receive an education?! Better start job hunting.

[wonkylegs]

Such a bad idea. It will cause even more problems with our beleaguered school system. Huge problems with capacity and places round here, has been made worse by LAs being unable to plan due to academies and free schools and the push for housing at any cost.

[99Luftballons]

I fear for SEN provision but it was terrible before so I home educate my SEN. Child.

All the smaller schools will close, making kids travel further to school. I guess I will pull my other children out too!

[prh47bridge]

I wonder how they think that things like SEN provision could work if local authorities have no say in how schools are run?

The same way they work in academies and VA schools today. The LA is responsible for SEN assessments and for ensuring that schools (including academies) make the required provision.

[Stoneagemum]

Did this not happen before, Grant Maintained Schools in the 1990's. Was abolished in late 1990's and schools came back under LA control?

[Sparklycat]

Not good at all.

[Philoslothy]

There needs to be unified public sector action.