Brit parents may soon be 'sacking' poor-performing headteachers!

London, February 24 (ANI): Parents in the UK will get powers to "sack" headteachers, if they are unhappy with their child's performance at local schools, under the country's new government plans.

Ed Balls, Schools Secretary, said parents could complain about leadership at their local secondary school to trigger council action and new "accredited" superheads could be hired to run schools.

"It's right that parents drive change where it is needed, so this is our offer to parents: if your child is falling behind in the three-Rs we will guarantee them extra help," The Telegraph quoted Balls as saying.

"And if your local schools are not doing well enough, and if you are dissatisfied with the progress your local school is making, you will be able to demand change and get a new and quality-guaranteed provider," Balls added.

But the plans seemed to have failed to impress all, with some critics questioning the viability of the proposals.

John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Headteachers and senior staff will be extremely concerned at the Prime Minister's latest version of parent power. Such a process will destabilise a school, which may be in the process of making unpopular changes in order to improve its performance.

"Especially in small schools, such a measure creates the possibility that small groups of parents, influenced by factors other than the good of the school, can sack a head who is making improvements under difficult circumstances."

Philip Parkin, general secretary of Voice, a union representing teachers and support staff, added: "This is an election gimmick designed to try and make parents think they will have more power.

In reality, such a scheme gives only an illusion of choice and it is highly unlikely it would ever work. It is impractical and unworkable and would create more bureaucracy, not less." (ANI)