NAHT has responded to both of the consultations where we have had the opportunity to make comment on the future split which will create a fully independent regulator. The formal Government consultation ended last week and the views on the curriculum are to be submitted to the Select Committee shortly.
We feel very strongly that the real issue at the heart of these proposals is the future of QCA. An independent regulator seems entirely logical and right and there are few concerns about the creation of OfQual, apart from minor logistical ones.
QCA has been the means by which the professional view of the curriculum and the arguments in favour of creativity and teacher involvement have reached the government. If there is any danger that this might be downgraded, the education system will be weakened. League tables, overtesting and other such initiatives seem to be inevitable, but QCA has played a major role in keeping the flexibilities and professional dialogue open. Let us hope that the move from “Authority” to “Agency” will not mean a weaker QCA.
