General Chat

.she was right to send one of her children to private school? I have just read that the reason she sent her child to a private school is because the child has learning difficulties,I surpose in one respect you can understand it. But what about people that cant afford to send their child to a private school who also have learning difficulties,its not really sending out the right message,is it!! What do you think?

I know what you are saying Roxanne and I agree that the facilities that she expects to get for her daughter at private school should be available to everyone. and that is what the government should be concerned with. however, as a parent, i can imagine that if I were in her shoes I too would want the best for my daughter. If she sent her child to a state school that would not make it any better for other children. But no, it does not send out the right message at all. Ann Glos

No Roxanne... it doesn't send out the right message but I would do exactly the same even though I say I don't believe in private education. oh dear what does that make me a hypocrite or a good mother lol Bit of both I suppose. Jean x.

I agree Roxanne I heard it was because he had dyslexia. There are thousands of children out there with dyslexia but not all of them are in such a fortunate position. Sounds like a poor excuse to me and gives a very bad impression. Apparently Ruth Kelly is expected to give a statement later.

Depending on the Learning disability, mild, moderate, severe, and it really is personal choice if you have the funds yea private, as a parent you want the best for your kids, but there is Gov funding available The Gov allocated funds to support peoples needs on an individual level, but really depends on the funding the local authority have in the pot, and it really is a post code lottery, some authorities are richer than others, but some peeps are not aware or informed of the Gov's white paper supporting people which say's all should be treated as individuals and Equal which is not the case but it is improving.

Just what one would expect.........absolute hypocrisy. When she was Education Secretary, she was forever trumpeting the wonders of the State system.......... If this Government hadn't disbanded the units which deal with children with dyslexia, there would be facilities for all. My OH's grandson is dyslexic...........he was able to attend a junior state school which had a separate unit for dyslexic children, although most of their days were spent in regular classes. The unit was closed recently.....so there is now nowhere in this district for similarly-affected children to be helped. Reg

I agree with Jean, I'd do what was best for my child, if Ruth Kelly thought it best her child went to a different school, and if that involved funding, and if she could afford that - then I have no problem with that.

I dont have a problem with private education,each to their own and of course their pockets. but what I do have a problem with is that she is and a labour minister,I do think its rather hypocritical. If she was Mary Bloggs from Derby,not a problem!

Kris,Probably not! But If you dont have faith in your product,how can you expect others to have faith in it,thats my point:-)

I think the crux of the matter is Roxanne......is that these facilities should be provided by State education.....available to all of us......and not those who can afford to pay.... If you are an affiliated party member, you should abide by the aims of the party....which in my understanding is to give a good Education Service to all, as well as a good Health Service.... I won't go into my political mode.....gets too boring.....

Hi Jeanette, Thanks for that!OOpss! I stand corrected:-))

Ruth Kelly is no longer minister for Education. She is now Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Sorry but its her job, not her life, she has to consider what her Hubby's opinions and views too he may have complete different view’s who knows, I for one do a job which I am paid to do does’nt mean I take my work home and implement it. Lilx

As the education secretary she is paid from our taxes to improve education for all. Is the fact that she is now using her salary to pay for her child to go into the private sector an admission that she has not done her job properly, and that state education system has failed her child (as it has failed so many others???) Perhaps she should be on performance related pay- then she would not have a huge salary to pay private school fees with!!!

Whoops sorry was trying to update my post and deleted by mistake!! (that's a state education for you lol) The point I made was that Ms Kelly would have had the best interests of her child at heart and did what she did as she thought it best. If you surveyed most MPs how many will have sent their children to private schools and will have had private health care. I think the ones that are worse than the MP s who send their children to private school are the likes of the Blairs who used their influence to get THEIR children into the best State schools

Good for her!! She does what she thinks best for her child. She will be expecting a big fuss but puts the child first. If we are able to afford better things for our families we don't deny them just because others can't afford. Hazel

No worries Roxanne! I just had to Google as I thought I must have misheard the news this morning! Even so, it just goes to show that she can't have done a very good job whilst in the post if she's had to turn to private education!

Hear Hear Kris, we also need to remember her Husband in all this he has his views as well and no doubt contributes to the fee's Lilxx

I agree that she should do her best for her children, but as a Public Employee I am concerned that she can afford to pay more to have 1 child educated than the majority of families in this Country earn in a year. £15,000 was the figure I heard mentioned. How many of us would like to even have an income of £300 per week? Labour has definitely lost its focus on the 'Working Classes'.

Hi Jim,Just my point:-)) You either believe in your politics or you dont Ruth Kelly obviously does not, what I find laughable is that these labour ministers(Blair Included) are so hypocritical. I would send my child to a private school,but Im not a labour minister, secretary.