PAT: Targets unproductive

Heavy government interference in children's lives will not improve their development, the Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) has warned.

The union's general secretary Philip Parkin said the sweeping reforms would not succeed if they attempted "social engineering" rather than staying focused on the individual.

He emphasised the importance of setting a "framework" within which children can flourish, rather than "another plan with another set of targets".

"This Plan will only succeed if the system recognises this and treats them as, and allows them to be, individuals, not part of a group that must meet certain targets by a specified time," he said.

Mr Parkin added that the plan's "laudable aspirations" would be welcomed, but warned that it "cannot magically transform the situation for children without the support of families, education and childcare professionals, the media and commerce".

"The government needs to listen to the concerns of those who care for and educate children," he finished.

"It cannot just issue a grand plan and tick the box and say 'children, sorted'."