§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance his Department has given to maintained schools regarding avoidance of political bias in the display of photographs of politicians in school buildings. [87463]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggUnderstanding our system of government is an important part of citizenship education, which became a part of the statutory National Curriculum for 11 to 16-year-olds in September 2002. It is for teachers to decide on the most appropriate materials, including visual aids, to encourage teaching and learning in the classroom. Teachers are aware of potential political problems and are professional in their approach. There are safeguards in law to guard against biased teaching. LEAs and schools must take reasonable steps to ensure that where political or controversial issues are covered, teachers offer pupils a balanced presentation of opposing views. The law on this is contained in sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996.