PAT: Prime minister's parenting measures welcome

Tuesday, 10, Jan 2006 12:00

Philip Parkin, the new General Secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers (PAT), has welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to the importance of good parenting and his announcement today (10 January 2006) of measures such as more parenting courses.

Philip Parkin, who took up office on 1 January 2006, said: "I am pleased that the Prime Minister has recognised the importance of good parenting and is committed to supporting families with parenting problems.

"All too often schools get the blame for poor pupil behaviour, but children need to arrive at school ready and willing to learn. Their mental and physical preparation, and their attitudes to teachers and fellow pupils, begin at home.

"Good behaviour and respect can be taught and learned.

"However, schools have to work closely with parents so while it may be appropriate for various agencies to impose parenting orders, we must be aware that if schools were given those powers this could damage the school-parent relationship - although in some cases, where the relationship is strained, it could be necessary as a final resort."