Friday 18th March Subject EDUCATION.
A brief presentation was given by one of the members on the general structure of education in England including its development and vital importance to society. There then followed a lively dicussion covering topics such as the effectiveness of OFSTED; the current strains on budgets and changes of responsibility for the provision of education, which focused on the advent of Free Schools and Academies. This particular aspect was explored at length taking into account the devolution of respondisbilities, the quality of teaching, the importance of effective head teachers and the dismissal of teaching, who were performing below an acceptable standard.There were arguments concerning education options and the importance of providing young people with skills for business and industry.along with the need for more sixth forms in East Sussex schools. This included consideration about effective funding and determination and oversight of school places.The discussions extended to the role of LEAs and the degree of testing and measuring student achievement along with the changing role of school governorsThe session ended considering the place of faith schools, their efficacy and concerns about their influence in an increasingly diverse society." I hope this is comprehensive enough and provides a reasonable view of an informative and interesting exchange of views. Next meeting Friday 18th April, THe White Hart , Netherfield 12.30pm