Consult - or risk the wrath

6:50am Thursday 3rd July 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

It is inevitable that in this hi-tech age, schools will embrace the latest techniques to disseminate information.

Some parents are expressing concern that a new computer system being introduced by Oxfordshire County Council into schools is yet another example of Big Brother tactics.

But it should be regarded as a useful additional resource for them to check their children's progress.

Parents will be able to monitor, from their home computer, pupils' grades, whether they have handed in their homework - even whether they are in trouble and have been put in detention.

Schools will decide what information is included online - and it is important they carry out full consultation with parents.

There appears to be considerable disquiet in some areas about a possible lack of security and what information will be made public.

It is vital that parents are reassured that everything will be above board.

One particular fear among parents is that it will widen the gap between them and teachers.

Parents' evenings, when parents have been able to have a face-to-face meeting with their children's teachers, have been an important part of the school programme.

Such basic traditions should not be lost in the rush to join the hi-tech revolution.