| Does the government really want innovation in free schools? |
| Posted by: Susan Einhorn |
| Innovation has always been touted as part of the philosophy of the free schools agenda. It\'s right up there in section 1.3 of the guidance on how to apply. \"The whole point of the free schools policy,\" it says, \"is that it should encourage innovation and be driven by the vision and passion of those proposing a school.\" Yet the IU, once part of the then Department for Children, Schools and Families, is concerned that not enough innovative free schools are getting approved. The unit believes, after discussions with four failed applicants, that the system does not do enough to support them. Right from when they start filling in the forms, says Louise Thomas, the unit\'s programme lead on education, the format is geared towards traditional structures. Feedback on failed applications was poor, she says, leaving groups unsure as to why they had been turned down and what they could do to improve their bid. |
| Source: The Guardian (UK) | Published: May 13th, 2013 |
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