§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the Government's policy on promoting the teaching of parenting skills and the care of children in schools.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthSection 1 of the Education Reform Act places a duty on the Secretary of State, local education authorities, school governors and head teachers to ensure that the curriculum as a whole prepares young people for the responsibilities and experiences of adult life. The science order within the national curriculum, being implemented under the Education Reform Act, requires that pupils should understand the factors necessary for the well-being of young children in the early stages of their development.
§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has taken to ensure that there is sufficient time available for schools to include in the curriculum parenting skills and the care of children.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthSection 4(3) of the Education Reform Act precludes the Secretary of State from requiring schools to allocate particular periods of time to any aspect of the national curriculum.