Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Schools shun parenting classes

Education Editor,Richard Garner
Friday 01 October 2010 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Government plan to improve the behaviour of unruly pupils by sending their parents to compulsory parenting classes has been a spectacular failure. Research for the Department for Education shows that not a single school or local authority has made use of the policy, which was introduced five years ago. Three-fifths of the country's local authorities have also shunned a scheme to draw up "good parenting contracts".

The research said headteachers were reluctant to use the powers because of "the negative impact on relationships with parents". Russell Hobby, of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "Putting people under an order is not a way of getting them enthused about their schooling."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in