When will politicians discover that there is no such thing as a quick fix? The Government of the day invests in some revolutionary long-term solutions, and then panic sets in and they have to prove to the voters that they really have provided value for money in schools and their associated activities.
The setting up of children's centres is a case in point. The dynamic of mixing all of the players involved in the delivery of services for children and families is an intriguing one. It is very early days yet, and professional jealousies still need to examined and explored for the benefit of those families who are particularly challenging and hard to reach.
A significant amount of energy has to be invested by the strategic thinkers to be one step ahead and anticipate the issues before they become insurmountable. In many cases this involves leadership teams concentrating their efforts on repairing damaged egos, bridging troubled waters and just generally keeping the cogs turning.
The Every Child Matters agenda is paramount to keeping the vision on track and ensuring an holistic approach to solving the increasingly complex issues facing families in poverty and without an extended family for support.
Schools with children who represent the bottom ten per cent most impoverished wards in the country have layer upon layer of issues to manage - drugs and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, aggressive landlords, self-harm, low self-esteem, lack of education, poor numeracy and literacy skills, to name but a few.
With skilful management, the growth of outstanding staff teams and the support of the community, we are beginning to make a difference. Families fleeing problems in other parts of the country feel empowered to return home and to face their demons. They learn strategies to cope and move into better housing and often take their children to schools in better neighbourhoods. Who can blame them?
Meanwhile the DfES designs a new 'category' of schools. Schools, which in spite of investment and everyone's best efforts, still 'fail' to get more than 65 per cent of their children with Level Fours at the end of Key Stage 2. These are 'stuck' schools, which will have the opportunity to meet with senior members of the primary national strategy to help us re-focus on attainment.
In the words of the old peace song, when will they ever learn?
Pat Wills is headteacher at Claremont Community Primary School and Centre of Excellence in Blackpool
