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08/01/2007
Kelly defends decision to send son to private school
Former Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has defended her decision to send her son, who has "substantial learning difficulties", to private school.
Mrs Kelly, who is now Communities Secretary, said that she had removed her son from a state school because of "professional advice". She said that the local authority had accepted her decision and she said that she had not requested any help in meeting the £15,000 per year cost of the school.
Mrs Kelly said that her son would remain at the school for a couple of years before he would move to attend a state secondary school.
Mrs Kelly's comments followed the publication of a story in the 'Daily Mirror', which revealed that the former Education Secretary was sending her son to a private school that cost £15,000 per year.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has supported her decision. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "What the Prime Minister supports absolutely is the right of parents to make choices about their children's education which are best suited to their children's needs irrespective of who their parents are of what job they do."
The spokesperson also added that Mr Blair had always believed in having a "mix of provision" in education.
Conservative leader David Cameron, whose son attends a state special needs school, also defended Mrs Kelly's decision, telling GMTV that the decision was a "personal matter". He said that some people would say it was hypocritical, but said that this would only be the case if Labour were in favour of abolishing private education.
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Sarah Teather said: "It's unfair to criticise a parent for choices they make for their individual child. But I do hope that Ruth and her colleagues will reflect on her personal experience and recognise hers was a not a unique situation.
"Lots of parents find themselves in the same position, with local services unable to provide their children with the support they need.
"Ministers would do well to learn from their colleague's experience. We need a state system that caters for all pupils' needs, however special."
(KMcA)
Mrs Kelly, who is now Communities Secretary, said that she had removed her son from a state school because of "professional advice". She said that the local authority had accepted her decision and she said that she had not requested any help in meeting the £15,000 per year cost of the school.
Mrs Kelly said that her son would remain at the school for a couple of years before he would move to attend a state secondary school.
Mrs Kelly's comments followed the publication of a story in the 'Daily Mirror', which revealed that the former Education Secretary was sending her son to a private school that cost £15,000 per year.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has supported her decision. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "What the Prime Minister supports absolutely is the right of parents to make choices about their children's education which are best suited to their children's needs irrespective of who their parents are of what job they do."
The spokesperson also added that Mr Blair had always believed in having a "mix of provision" in education.
Conservative leader David Cameron, whose son attends a state special needs school, also defended Mrs Kelly's decision, telling GMTV that the decision was a "personal matter". He said that some people would say it was hypocritical, but said that this would only be the case if Labour were in favour of abolishing private education.
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Sarah Teather said: "It's unfair to criticise a parent for choices they make for their individual child. But I do hope that Ruth and her colleagues will reflect on her personal experience and recognise hers was a not a unique situation.
"Lots of parents find themselves in the same position, with local services unable to provide their children with the support they need.
"Ministers would do well to learn from their colleague's experience. We need a state system that caters for all pupils' needs, however special."
(KMcA)
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