The BHA has briefed MPs ahead of a Commons debate on education called by the shadow cabinet.
MPs will have the opportunity to discuss the coalition government’s education reforms in a debate to be held as part of tomorrow’s Opposition Day. The BHA’s concerns regarding Academies and free schools, ‘faith’ schools, curriculum issues and collective worship have been described in detail in a specially prepared parliamentary briefing.
The debate comes just days after schools minster Nick Gibb revealed that Department for Education ministers have frequently met with religious groups since the election, while ignoring meeting requests from the BHA.
BHA head of public affairs Naomi Phillips said: ‘This debate provides an excellent opportunity for MPs to examine critically the government’s education reforms, which look set to increase significantly the influence of religious groups in our schools and remove the few safeguards that do exist to keep religious extremism out of the classroom.’
‘We hope that the government will at last give clear answers to the serious questions raised by the introduction of religious Academies and free schools and plans to increase the number of traditional ‘faith’ schools. The BHA would also like to see a wide-ranging discussion of the curriculum and how it could be reformed to enhance children’s rights, particularly in the areas of religious education and sex and relationships education.’
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For further information or comment contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585 or naomi@humanists.uk