The BHA has submitted its formal response to the government’s schools white paper The Importance of Teaching.
The BHA’s response highlights a number of proposals – such as weakening the admissions code and simplifying the process by which new faith schools are established – which could lead to increased religious discrimination and segregation. The official response also raises concerns about the free schools and Academies programme, particularly the lack of safeguards against religious extremism, and calls for RE and Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) to be brought within the national curriculum.
The submission says: ‘In their current form, the measures proposed within the white paper represent a serious threat to children’s rights, while a number of opportunities to protect those rights seem to have been missed.’
BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented:
‘This white paper was a valuable opportunity to move towards a schools system that is fairer, more inclusive and more responsive to local communities. Unfortunately it contains many proposals which run directly counter to our vision of a fully inclusive schools system, while omitting some measures which could help realise it.’
‘We urge the government to consider our recommendations, many of which are strongly supported by parents and teachers, as it prepares the forthcoming education bill.’
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For further information or comment please contact Andrew Copson by emailing andrew@humanists.uk or calling 020 3675 0959.