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WQ.356/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND EDUCATION BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2023
Question
“Will the Minister explain how she develops policy to protect children under her care from activist driven agendas promoted by some sections of society?”
Answer
Children and young people are protected in the following ways:
• The States, CYPES and therefore schools are obliged to take account of The Education (Jersey) Law, 1999 and Curriculum in the development of their policies.
The Law mandates the States to promote the holistic development of Jersey's children, encompassing their spiritual, moral, intellectual, cultural, social, and physical growth (SMSC). This fosters values, morals, character, and responsibility, making young people culturally aware. This is taught mostly through the culture and ethos of the school, and through the Citizenship curriculum (PSHE).
• Schools (both Government and Independent) are held to account for their policies regarding Safeguarding which are closely scrutinised in school reviews using the Jersey Schools Review Framework. The document also ensures reviewers place as a priority:
‘The effectiveness of the school’s curriculum to raise pupils’ awareness and so keep them safe from the dangers of abuse, sexual exploitation, radicalisation and extremism’.
• The Education (Jersey) Law mandates the Minister to appoint the Jersey Curriculum Council (JCC), outlining its roles and purposes. The JCC independently advises the Minister on the statutory Jersey Curriculum, conducts necessary research, and shares findings with schools. This research includes assessing local and global groups or organisations and communicating results to schools. Headteachers report any concerning activities directly impacting schools to the Education Department and ensure scrutiny of individuals, groups, or curriculum materials used to deliver the curriculum.
• Departmental policies result from thorough examination of high-quality national and global research, involving extensive consultations to ensure a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives in the best interest of children and young people.
• Children and young people are also protected by the Teacher’s Code of Conduct cited within the Teacher’s Terms and Conditions, which requires that teacher’s must not ‘endeavour to exert an undue influence with regard to personal attitudes, opinions or behaviour which are not connected with the work of the school’.