Unions target 1600 schools in anti-academies campaign

Released 08/07/2010

UNISON warns schools not to rush academy decision

Public sector trade union UNISON has written to 1,600 schools to warn them of what they feel to be the "dangers of rushing ahead headlong" into becoming an academy.

The letter, backed by education unions that include the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, GMB, NASUWT, NUT and UNITE, claims there to be "no evidence" academies raise standards, stating instead that the loss of local authority support could effect the changes of vulnerable, disadvantaged or special educational needs (SEN) children.

"If it ain't broke, why fix it?"

Christina McAnea, UNISON head of education, feels the new government is rushing the new academy schools programme through without talking to parents, children and staff. "If they had asked the public, they would have found out that 96% want local schools to be run by local councils," she said.

She says introducing academies will "dramatically alter" the way education is delivered and have "huge implications" for children in academies and mainstream schools.

"The initial academies programme targeted disadvantaged areas," she continued. "These new academies will be formed from outstanding schools. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Outstanding schools should concentrate on what they do best - teaching children well, rather than jumping through hoops to get academy status.

"The academy programme needs serious scrutiny. UNISON, along with other education unions, is calling on the government to put the brakes on the academies programme, for the sake of children, staff, parents, and the future of education."

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