Last week saw the latest race-to-the-bottom between the two main parties over the issue of school discipline. Which party would crack down hardest on the "persistent minority" and their "low-level disruptive behaviour"?
For political parties the formula is simple: identify an undisputable enemy (the naughty children), align yourself with the obvious majority (decent, hard-working families), and devise suitably swift and stringent solutions. Headlines are grabbed, charges of weakness neutralised, and the focus moves on. But does it make for good policy?
Alongside attempting to win votes, national political debate does reflect and articulate, at least in part, genuine aspirations and concerns. And creating a context in the classroom where all children are able to succeed is a central issue for every parent.
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