Before accusing others of lying, Nick Cohen (last week) might introduce some truth into his increasingly fanciful column. On the settlement of the Summerhill case, he is wholly wrong to claim the DfEE's statement was 'mendacious in every respect'. He says there had been 'no agreement' with Summerhill. In fact, there was an agreed statement drawn up with the lawyers from both sides. He says it was untrue to suggest health and safety had been an issue. In the notice of complaint against Summerhill, accommodation including health and safety formed three out of the six items.
Cohen claims it was untrue to suggest Summerhill had agreed it 'will encourage pupils to attend lessons and will improve teaching and assessment across the curriculum'.
In fact the agreement stated that Summerhill will 'continue to provide a stimulating learning environment _ both within and outside of timetable lessons, including amongst other things suitable class-based lessons and self-supported study programmes'.
Cohen claims my special adviser 'called the night news desk' to ask the Independent to change a headline on the subject.
This is also completely untrue: before his exhaustive researches, we were unaware the headline had changed.
David Blunkett
Secretary of State for Education and Employment
London SW1
• Nick Cohen makes some pretty scathing remarks about Summerhill. Having worked at a similar school in the Netherlands, I have seen shy pupils become confident, angry ones become articulate debaters and overactive children find balance and outlets for their energy.
More than ever we need schooling that enables children to identify their own needs and choose their own direction.
Bert Bruins
Exeter
