Hon Bill English
National Party Education Spokesman

21 September 2006

Schools told to solve yet another problem

Schools should not be asked to solve the obesity problem on top of all the social problems they are expected to solve every day, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English.

He is commenting on the Government’s announcement today of an action plan for schools and early childhood education services to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

“Teachers have only limited time and it’s already filled with the demands of teaching children and dealing with their social problems,” says Mr English.

“The Government wants teachers to do professional development on nutrition, but in the real world teachers can only do so much professional development.

“Time spent on professional development for nutrition and obesity is time not spent on literacy and numeracy.

“This is another solution foisted on schools when the problem lies elsewhere.

“The Government should give our teachers a fair go at teaching the basics, and deal with obesity using the family and home as a way to effect change.”

ENDS

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