Education is vital to create a stable and inclusive society for the future.
Everyone has a role to play and should have the opportunity to study. We
recognise that we all learn in different ways and at different rates. Our
education system should not only benefit the economy but also help us fully
develop mentally, physically and socially. It should help us to cope with a
changing society and to relate to each other whatever our social and cultural differences. It should not be about league tables, but should help us become capable, happy, well-motivated citizens who see learning as a lifelong journey and are able to fully participate in society.

In Sheffield

We want to tackle the general lack of trust in our education system. The
Council view is that the only way forward is to allow private organisations to
run our schools as trust schools or academies. The government continues to use league tables which teachers say are unhelpful and put pressure on
young students. We believe that they do not improve education in the city
and add to the problems of distrust, lack of opportunity and poor
achievement. We will work towards greater community involvement in the
management of our schools, better communication and a positive culture for real progress and success.

The quality of education in the city is divided. Opportunities and access
depends on where you live and what you can afford. Our Council reduces local control by merging schools and putting others into trusts. Government
education policies have also impacted on this lack of trust with pressure on
schools to meet targets. Testing of children leads to stress and to a poor
learning environment. The future of under-4 services is unclear and underfunded by the Council. Excluded young people and those causing problems in the neighbourhood are often given ASBOs (Anti Social Behaviour Orders). These fail the offender and the community as they are often broken and do not tackle the causes and results of the offence.

The Green Party has:

• Backed the campaign for better school meals.
• Argued against creating new privately owned trusts and academies but for keeping schools within local control.
• Opposed the merger of Wisewood and Myers Grove.
• Welcomed the new more environmentally-friendly building for Castle College.
• Supported living wages for families so one or both parents can care for their children with a proper work-life balance.
• Campaigned for the abolition of SATs , league tables and the compulsory National Curriculum

Our Green Councillors have:

• Supported the review of education provision in North Sheffield and keeping small schools where they are needed as they improve learning and behaviour.
• Campaigned against privatisation of education
  through PFI (Private Finance Initiative).

The Green Party will:

• Highlight the problems of student debts which fail to address issues of poverty.
• Call for adult education to be broad-based and available for all.
• Look to improve access to career guidance.

Our Green Councillors will continue to:

• Fight to keep local community involvement in the management of services for under 4s.
• Fight to keep schools under Council control rather than private run trusts or academies.
• Oppose the removal of schools or services such as admissions from Council control.
• Press for all schools to cook their own school meals with healthy locally bought food.
• Campaign for better youth services and better post-16 Further Education funding.