IN recent years we have seen an increased drive towards schools becoming academies. This raises real concerns about privatisation of our education system and what is becoming seen as a long term agenda based on profit rather than the needs of children.

Every child should have access to a decent education. Investment in buildings, resources (enough of the right books and equipment) and trained staff is what is needed. This could ensure that there are class sizes that can meet the needs of all children.

Previously schools were offered a financial incentive to pursue academy status through the “building schools for the future programme”, but under the current government the funding has been scrapped and, as a result, there has been less interest from schools pursuing academy status that the government would have liked.

Now Education Minister Michael Gove has said he wants to impose academy status on about 200 schools in Britain, yet there is no evidence that academies improve education standards.

In Bolton, Plodder Lane Primary School in Farnworth is being forced into an academy because it was placed in special measures.

How many parents are aware of this? And do they know that many academies are in special measures?

Recently a Unison member from Bolton travelled to London for a meeting of the Anti Academies Alliance. Around the country there have been several campaigns by parents against schools being forced to become academies. She met parents and school staff from Downhill’s Primary School in London, where they are fighting the academy plans.

It is important that communities, parents and school staff alike are aware of the issues surrounding academies and that we do not just sit back and accept or are led to believe academies have a magic wand.

Phil Travers Bolton UNISON member