V.A.T, in school fees

Esspee do you imagine those parents would be happy about the conditions and facilities in state schools? Perhaps if they didn't have the option of private schooling they would insist on a properly funded state system which would benefit all children. A much better contribution than any they make at present.

You're right Fitzy54, it's just an empty Labour soundbite, barely worth a D+ grade.

No parents at private schools are going to be handing in their term's notice next week in fear of this proposal coming to life. Also, it's worth noting that many independent schools in popular areas have long waiting lists, and spaces for 2020 nursery children have all been filled already.

When a child is educated privately the parents have contributed the same as everyone else towards education via taxes but have not made use of the free facility which leaves more money for the regular schools. Let us say for example 500,000 children were withdrawn from private education because the fees had become excessive then the government would have to provide schools and teachers to educate them. The parents of privately educated children are therefore making a huge contribution to the education of those children whose parents choose to send them to "free" schools.

Trisher just going back to your point about criticism of Labour not explaining how it will fund its policies, then criticism of them when they do, I take your point, but I don't think it applies here. The funding issue really relates to spending as a whole, not individual items. Actually I think Labour have said how they propose to fund their policies overall - they have set outline tax rises and (substantial) borrowing plans. More detail to come I imagine. But why say "charge vat on school fees to pay for free school meals". Why not better cancer treatment? Or better care for the elderly? Or to build more affordable housing? What happens when the two figures don't balance anymore (less kids go the private schools, the cost of school meals goes up....?) Do we then stop giving free meals? What if more than enough is collected - do we throw in a light breakfast? It's all just a colourful soundbite. But I suppose that's politics.
ps Jen - impressive all round qualifications! I scraped 6 O Levels and a "Confidence" swimming certificate!

Parents of children in private schools already pay income tax (often 40 per cent) of which some is for education. Like people with no children they are not using the LA education services. They also free up state school places. Why should they be taxed again? I say this as a parent of children who went to state school.

Only in dreams

So pigs do fly, oh dear

You're right, they probably never will
They were probably leftover school dinner pies anyway

Look what you've started now, roses!

Even though those pies won't ever see the light of day?

It's bright sunshine in my thoughts

In the dark, Jalima, so you won't be able to see them. Or maybe with spotlights?

Corbyn will not be PM, this is why he can promise anything

I have a vision of pigs flying through the sky catching pies as they go rosesarered
on that note

It's an art durhamjen and needs years of practise.

How many cliches can you get in two lines, roses?

It's another pie in the sky scheme that Corbyn talks about but will no doubt never see the light of day if he ever became PM ( pigs might fly.)So don't think it's worth anyone getting worked up about.

Many of the people I trained with had only a couple of A levels and maybe 6 O levels, however they spent 3 years training to teach. they did 3 teaching practices in different schools and were subjected to gruelling assessment and criticism. When they finished the course they were able to teach and control a class, many of them went on to be heads. Today's teachers do a degree and then spend 1 year training to teach. On teaching practice they often only teach small groups. It isn't half as rigorous as it used to be. Degrees are fine but real experience and training are equally as important.

Even more pathetic a dig, Ana.
I didn't know there was a number of years that teachers had to teach after they gained their qualifications.
I feel sorry for teachers now. You have paid for your degree and will carry on teaching and paying back until you reach 70.
Or else!

So Jen, your parents were in the 7% ?

So much has changed in qualifications required. Nurses need degrees now too although you could go in with very little at one time. Now many of them have a two degrees - one in a specialist area. Education is changing and expanding all the time to help us keep up with other economies and the huge opportunities available.

Goodness knows! Pity you only taught for 10 years after gaining all those qualifications though...

That's even more stupid than normal, Ana. Why ask about qualifications, then say you don't have to believe it.
Nobody has to believe anything anyone says on any thread or blog.
I don't believe you exist. So why am I bothering to reply to you?

Brilliant, Gracesgran.
When we did the football course, the only one who didn't finish it was an ex-policeman, who stood on the ball and broke his ankle.

I don't have to believe it though, do I?