R2OK!

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Ex-Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has defended her decision to send her son, who has "substantial learning difficulties", to a private school.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6240165.stm

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I think she's doing the right thing like any parent would do. Ok she is a minister, but the press are trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill and planning a witch hunt against her. She needs to stick to her guns and remember the press will not only upset her but the child too and other children if they start to sit on the door step of the private school.

Toggy tea slurper · Guest

I've been trying to see what the problem is and I can't see it. She sends her child to a private school, big deal. It's a non story been blown up out of all proprtion as usual, no doubt the press will keep banging on and on about it. Rolling Eyes

Clive55 · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1336

Heloise · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 237

I agree and if by doing so she has brought the whole subject of SEN provision within schools up again all the better.
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schleppel · Guest

I dont see the problem with anyone sending their kids to a private school. However here I see how the press have latched onto it after her attempting to introduce a policy whereby local schools should be able to cope with the needs of all children, a policy which has obviously failed in her own constituency. There are 6 special needs schools near where she lives.

The question that I would like answered is whether or not she could have afforded 15K a year prior to becoming an MP? It seems to me that alot of years ago it was only the wealthy who became MP's, then as time went on anybody could be elected and wages were modest. Now wages have inflated far beyond the national average and an MP can afford 15K a year for schooling when 15 years ago an MP's salary was only 20 - 25.

Admitedly, I dont know what other income is in her household and whether she could have afforded it anyway but I think we will all have to watch this space to see if she does indeed return her son to state school when he reaches 12.

dottie-may · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 56

Speaking as a parent and a teaching assistant in a primary school, I think what angers many people is that fact that if you can't afford private school fees you may well have to fight tooth and nail for up to two years to get a SEN statement - and I do mean fight!

I've seen children with real difficulties being refused the support they need, for no obvious reasons other than money one supposes, and parents at the end of their tether in tears of despair because their child's case has been turned down.

It seems that the system in Ms Kelly's area is good enough for those who can't pay, but not for those who can.

However, I daresay if I were in the same position and could afford to pay, I would.
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"I'm a firm believer in not having to play the hand you're dealt."

Ella Sailyour · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 579 Location: Marbella, Spain

admin · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 487

Ella, this discussion was a sensible discussion until you ended it with your direct jibe at Mark.

This is not that place for such childish postings, and in the future if you want to continue that I suggest you find somewhere else to post.

Admin