§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) in which publication, speech or statement his Department has described how it takes account of the family perspective and the life cycle in the targets, activities and statistics of his Department;
(2) if he will make a statement on how his Department takes account of the family perspective and the family life cycle in the targets, activities and statistics of his Department.
§ Mr. ForthFamilies play a crucial part in their children's education and full account is taken of the implications for the family in the development of educational policies. Since 1980 the Government have been intent on widening parental choice and entrenching parental influence and control in maintained schools. Schools are now more accountable to parents than ever before. The parents charter and the White Paper "Choice and Diversity" (Cm 2021) make clear the ways in which the educational service should respond to parents' aspirations for their children's education.