Approved Schools

HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 cc2116-7

17. Mr. Christopher

Price asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to enable parents to withdraw their children from religious instruction in approved schools in the same way as they can in other schools.

Mr. Callaghan

No, Sir. Wherever practicable, a child is placed in a school of the religious persuasion to which he belongs; and in other cases it would be contrary to the approved schools rules to require a child to receive religious instruction otherwise than in his own faith.

Mr. Price

May I thank the Home Secretary for moving the child of one of my constituents from one approved school to another? But does he not think it is unsatisfactory that children under the statutory school-leaving age in approved schools run by some religious authority or another should not have a statutory right to be withdrawn and that the matter is simply left to informal arrangements?

Mr. Callaghan

This is the only complaint that I can trace for a very long time. Therefore, I would not feel it necessary to propose amending legislation when, as my hon. Friend has graciously indicated, it is possible to meet the concern by transferring the child.

18. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the appropriate qualifications for teachers in approved schools; and what percentage of such teachers have these qualifications.

Mr. Callaghan

There are no statutory requirements, but 99 per cent. of full-time teachers in approved schools in England and Wales possess the qualifications needed for the status of a qualified teacher.

Mr. Price

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I am somewhat puzzled by that reply? Could he be slightly more specific about the qualifications to which he is referring?

Mr. Callaghan

I am referring to the qualifications that a person needs in order to be recognised as a teacher. I am sorry that I cannot find it here, but I promise my hon. Friend that there is a very good definition that I shall be happy to send to him.

Mr. Price

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on a suitable occasion.