Letters to the Editor: Protect school outdoor space

Michael Gove is hopelessly out of touch on school sports. We have already had the scrapping of the target of pupils doing a minimum two hours of PE per week, the decision to cut the school sport budget by 69 per cent and the abolishing of School Sports Partnerships. Now the government has made the decision to water down school regulations, which protect outdoor space.

Many parents will be wondering how serious the government is taking the Olympic legacy of inspiring the next generation.

Labour will call a parliamentary vote in September demanding it restores the minimum space requirement for outdoor space in schools. It is not too late for the government to change its mind and restore the minimum space requirement for outdoor space.

Labour is also calling for a 10-year cross-party plan on school sport – something detailed, thought through and developed by the experts, not the kind of knee-jerk reaction we had from the Prime Minister with his ill-advised comments on Indian dancing.

Stephen Twigg MP, Labour shadow education secretary


University is not the only option
As students across the country receive their A-level results, there is still a tendency to consider university as the only option.

The government is increasing emphasis on apprenticeships by investing £500m over this parliament.

Despite this, advice given to young people is largely biased towards degree learning.

Students need to be guided by advisers who appreciate the fact that the lay of the land has changed in terms of modern jobs.

Liz Field, chief executive, the Financial Skills Partnership


Recognise sexual exploitation

We were surprised to see references to “sex workers” and “sex work” in the Ask the Expert panel Q&A. However, the question presents an opportunity to remind readers that children who are manipulated and abused for sex are now recognised as being sexually exploited. The government has been using the language of child sexual exploitation since 2009, reflecting that children cannot consent to their own abuse.

CYP Now has previously written accurately about this subject but we are concerned that this instance demonstrates how ingrained these misunderstandings are. We would encourage readers to ensure that their agencies and local authorities have an accurate understanding of the issue. Visit www.barnardos.org.uk/cutthemfree for guidance.

Alison Worsley, deputy director – strategy, Barnardo’s