Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle, Jude Robinson took South West Minister Rt Hon Jim Knight MP to meet with local Headteacher Dave Simons of Trewirgie School during his recent Ministerial tour. 
Picture: Jude Robinson with Head Dave Simons and Rt Hon Jim Knight MP, MInister for Employment and Minister for the South West, in front of Trewirgie's landmark clock tower.
Jude said: "Jim Knight was the Schools Minister until recently and has lost none of his passion for education.
"Among the topics discussed was the Ofsted regime and Dave Simons has been very open about the pressure this places on schools. In future, where schools are rated outstanding, like Trewirgie, they will not have to undergo another inspection for five years as long as their results remain good.
"The Minister also highlighted the comparative freedom and independence of our schools' Heads as in most other countries, government appoints teachers and sets out the curriculum in much more detail. To balance our schools' freedoms government needs monitoring and accountability but it is important to get the balance right.
"It was a lively discussion. Dave Simons has a huge wealth of experience in teaching and has devoted his career to children at Trewirgie School. His contribution to education in the Redruth community cannot be overstated and the Minister welcomed the opportunity to listen to his views. "
Government is currently steering the Children's Schools and Families Bill through Parliament. This will include a new system of report cards, which will give a more rounded picture of school achievements than the current SATs results.
The Bill also offers guarantees to parents on 1-2-1 tuition and greater responsibility through strengthened Home School Agreements.
More information on the CSF Bill at
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2009_0220
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