All-Party Parliamentary Group, to be exact. Otherwise known as APPGs, there are literally hundreds of them (see fascinating list here). They are non-partisan self-selecting interest groups and have parliamentarians, sometimes from both Houses, forming a small committee and then holding meetings (usually open to all – just find their web page and email the secretary that you’d like to go on their mailing list), often at the Palace of Westminster in committee rooms, or else online. They have no statutory powers, but they can have influence on policymakers, so they’re worth knowing about.
It turns out there is an APPG for the Teaching Profession (hurrah!) (details here) (there’s also one for Education). I’ve been attending the APPG TP for a few years and it’s been very useful. It’s been so instructive to be in the same room as, and listen to, professionals and practitioners from various sectors in Education sharing their experiences and thoughts about various key issues (such as the Market Review in ITT, which is having huge effects). Probably colleagues I’d never otherwise come across (or even know they existed). So it’s not an echo chamber, but rather an excellent opportunity to widen and deepen your perceptions of current and projected issues in Ed. And usually you get a chance to (literally) put your hand up and speak. Given that the parliamentarian/s in the room may have the ear of policymakers, this represents a rare opportunity to make your voice heard where it could conceivably make a difference. It may be that my brilliant, fabulously articulate, eloquent and passionate yet relatable contribution could get written down by someone with influence, and help steer education on to the much more meaningful path it desperately needs to be on right now. Ta-da!
For example, most recently I went to the APPG TP meeting about Ofsted (interestingly, on the day of the meeting Extinction Rebellion and associated groups were holding a noisy and peaceful event right outside the House. I wondered about the synchronicity of “extinction” and “Ofsted”). The meeting was held in a Committee room like the ones from your recent Fabian Education Policy events (these as you may know) have slightly court-like opposing rows of seats, perpendicular to what would be the judges’ bench, which means going to these meetings could cause a crick in the neck, but if you sit at 45 degrees this can be avoided); person after person who spoke (mainly colleagues in leadership positions), articulately and professionally, either had a harrowing story about their or a colleague’s treatment at the hands of Ofsted, or a clear view on how Ofsted should be seriously reformed, or actually shut down. After about half an hour of this, it was clear that the case against Ofsted had been proven; verdict: guilty; sentence: abolition. Various alternatives to ensure accountability and school improvement were then put forward as at your recent Ofsted event. The strength and unanimity of feeling on display was remarkable; it was both reassuring and invigorating. The key points raised will now be taken forward by the chair of the APPG in further discussions with policy makers. I’m not naïve; this meeting won’t change the world, but it does represent a meaningful incremental contribution towards ensuring that we have an education service fit for purpose in the 21st century and beyond.
Then, of course, when the meeting finishes and it’s MAT (milling about time), here’s where you can meet people (possibly even have a quick chat with parliamentarians) and do some networking. And on top of all this, the in-person meetings are held in the actual Palace of Westminster, so you get to see that from the inside. What more could you ask? Sign up today!
Max Fishel
Max is currently a member of pdnet, and governor of a mainstream primary school. He is Member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for u3a and attends and contributes to various All Party Parliamentary Groups focussing on Disability and Education. He has 40 years experience of the State education sector, most recently as assistant Headteacher in a special school, and lead for a team of Specialist Advisory teachers for physical Disability. He also performs stand-up spoken word poetry and is a musician.