Ruth Kelly

I am annoyed at the idiotic reaction of many towards Ruth Kelly's decision to send her son with special needs to an independent school. Tower Hamlets (the inner London borough of which Kelly is a resident) has one of the most overstreched education systems in the country, particularly when it comes to special needs schooling, which is more expensive than regular schooling. By going private, Kelly can ensure that her son gets the level of care needed and that the council's money goes to those who need it most. It is worthy to note that all of her other children go to state schools. Since 1997, there has been a great improvement in the level and provision of schooling, but it is not enough. Considerably more is needed, particularly with regards to special needs pupils, to ensure that everyone gets the level of education they deserve.