Hon Bill English National Party Education Spokesman
3 February 2005
Parent programme falls short
Labour's new parent programme is a step in the right direction but it doesn't give parents what they really want -
choice, says National's Education spokesman, Bill English.
He is commenting on the announcement today of a new programme aimed at increasing parental involvement in education.
"Tana Umaga is an excellent choice as an education ambassador and, supported by the right information, he will encourage
more parents to take an active interest in the education of their children," says Mr English.
"However, if parents take more of an interest and don't like what they see, they can't do anything about it because
Labour opposes parental choice.
"Far too many parents are locked out of the education they want for their children by rigid enrolment schemes and a lack
of alternatives.
"If Labour is serious about parental involvement in education, it will take parental concerns about choice seriously and
give them more choice."
Ends