National Policy Forum - Your Southeast CLP representatives

Education and skills- work programme 2007

February 2007
Cabinet working group - Alan Johnson to report to the commission on the big challenges being addressed by the Public Service Reform cabinet working group.

More choice for 14 -19 year olds - How do we tailor education to the needs of individual children? How much flexibility is required to ensure this is meaningful whilst ensuring high standards for all? Jim Knight to discuss the reforms to the 14 to 19 agenda including the IB, A-level and diplomas.

March/April 2007
Childcare - How do we ensure the best start for every child? What type of additional support do parents need with bringing up their children? Discussion with Alan Johnson and Beverley Hughes on the challenges facing childcare sector.

Looked after children - children in care remain five times less likely to get five or more good GCSEs; six times less likely to go to university. A review of progress of the Looked after children Green Paper.

May/June 2007 - Drafting of 2 year policy consultation document
The commission will consider and agree a draft second year policy consultation document ahead of the National Policy Forum in July. Commission members will reflect on submissions received and representations to the Education and Skills policy commission when drafting the document

July 2007 - NPF
Meeting of the National Policy Forum to agree second year policy consultation document.

September 2007
Annual Conference Education and Skills policy seminar at Annual Conference - all commission members and ministers will be invited to attend the Education and Skills policy seminar which is open to all delegates.

October 2007
Post-16 education - How can we expand access to higher education particularly for students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds? What measures can be put into place to meet our goal of ensuring that more young people stay on in education or training post 16?

Supporting parents - What more can we do to give parents a greater say in their children's education. Examine parenting strategies with Parmjit Dhanda MP.

November 2007
Skills - joint meeting with Treasury or DTI focusing on science and technology

Primary schools - What more can we do to raise standards in primary schools, particularly with regard to literacy and numeracy? How do we improve attainment for the most socially disadvantaged pupils?