I care deeply about what happens in the life of our schools. I am saddened, beyond belief, when children leave unable to read, write or add up. This is true even when resources, human and emotional have been poured into these young lives. I see parents of children unable to do some of these things that I take for granted. Sometimes, families have been let down for generations. I am aware that sometimes, in rare occasions, there are those who have not helped themselves – but it really is scaremongering of outrageous proportions to argue that this is true in the vast majority of cases.

It is not Michael Gove’s fault that this happens – it would be simplistic to suggest that, nor was it the fault of Ed Balls, Estelle Morris (she was a good Education Secretary, she realised that the task was too big) or David Blunkett.

As a society, we have chosen (in a liberal democracy we do choose at the ballot box – even not voting is a choice) not to value education, to allow the morale of teachers, teaching assistants and heads to fall. We have chosen to judge staff solely on results attained. What Michael Gove is responsible for is this: he is allowing morale and standards to drop further. He has allowed OfSTED to become something to be feared, rather than creating something that would challenge schools, but also celebrate their successes. How can it be right for staff to live in fear of the call? How can it be fair for the inspection to rule out so many important things, such as nurture and pastoral care when assessing the life and vitality of a school?

Why am I so opinionated about this. For 12 years now, I have worked in brilliant schools as a governor (I know interfering busy body, Mr Gove – who you hold accountable should a school fail), vicar, parent, assembly taker, story teller and seen that oases of calm are created in which children flourish, where teachers go the extra mile and beyond. True there are some duff teachers. The best heads get rid of them, hopefully nicely. But there are dud vicars, some of us with freehold, and even dud Education Secretaries.

I have received a letter a year or so ago from someone called Jake. He was from a family where nothing much happened. He soared because of the active involvement of a member of staff, going the extra mile, working sometimes late into the evenign with the family.

Dear Rev. Kev

Regards, Jake

Schools do a brilliant job. We should be cheering them on.

I just want for one day to celebrate the brilliance of 95%+ of what goes on in schools; and I hope you do too.