Minister Carol Steere defends Guernsey's education law

Deputy Carol Steere said the law was based on the English Education Act of 1944

Guernsey's education minister has denied the island's current education laws are out of date and undemocratic.

It follows calls from deputy Jane Stephens to reform the laws that date back to 1970.

She said many modern policies were not supported by the legislation and it was undemocratic.

Education minister, deputy Carol Steere said the current law had served the island well and they were accountable to the public.

Deputy Stephens said: "What we have in legislation, I believe does not support every educational activity that goes on in schools today.

"For example, it talks about permitting further education, but makes no reference to higher education at all.

"It also gives no support for public funding to be used for new initiatives such as nursery education."

Deputy Steere said the law allowed the States "to provide an education system that is about, age, ability and attitude".

"It's not a prescriptive law. In fact, it's a permissive law which allows us to operate an education system," she added.

Deputy Stephens said policies were being created which were unsupported by law and this was undemocratic.

But Deputy Steere said who was unhappy wth policy making had "the opportunity to question and bring forward any suggestions".