‘Coalition’1 - what does it mean for schools?

Abstract

Summary Since the formation of a coalition government in May 2010, there have been substantial changes in government policies relating to the education system in England and Wales. The previous Labour administration strengthened education in food and nutrition and promoted healthy eating in schools. The National Curriculum relating to food technology states what pupils should learn, making reference to practical cooking skills, food safety and hygiene and nutrition and healthy eating. This remains a statutory requirement. The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), announced in October 2010, meant that substantial financial cuts would be made across government, including the Department for Education. A huge swathe of quangos has already been cut, including the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) and the National Healthy Schools Programme (NHSP). The School Food Trust (SFT) has faced budget cuts, and further massive savings will come from the scrapping of Building Schools for the Future (BSF). The White Paper and Education and Children's Bill will provide greater freedom for schools and academies to determine their own curriculum, length of the school day and lesson times. David Cameron's vision of a ‘Big Society’ will require greater collaboration from a wide range of organisations, including industry and charitable organisations to support high quality education in food and nutrition in schools. Individual Headteachers will be freed to make decisions at a local level. This will leave individual schools with greater decision making and funding responsibility.