A RETIRING Stockport headteacher with 26 years experience in the position has fired a parting shot, claiming Government mismanagement of education is failing pupils.

David Phillips, who this week left Moorfield Primary, in Hazel Grove, says one reason why he is leaving the profession he loves is to battle ‘knee-jerk reactions’ and excessive bureaucracy.

Although colleagues, children and parents have left him with a host of happy memories, he hopes to lobby the Government to help change the system for their benefit.

Mr Phillips, 59, of Hazel Grove, said: "The Government is doing damage and I can’t fight it from the inside but I will fight it from the outside.

"Knee-jerk reactions to minor crises send shockwaves through the school system.

"Since 1997 there have been 700 new initiatives for schools.

"We are producing a generation of children who are only good at maths and English. It is a crying shame.

"They are missing the bigger picture - there are many things to celebrate about children.

"For example, we have a unit for children with learning difficulties who have made

stupendous progress ,but unless you are bright you don’t matter."

Jamie Oliver was also singled out for his healthy school dinners drive being responsible for children being confronted with foods - such as broccoli - which they were unused to, Mr Phillips insisted.

Their reluctance to eat it meant some would go without a meal.

But Mr Phillips, originally from Adswood, was quick to point out, aside from government meddling, he has loved his 16 years at Moorfield Primary.

And, or course, the rest of his teaching career.

A celebratory party was held last Wednesday (July 23) for colleagues, while he bid farewell to staff and pupils at a special assembly the next day.

Mr Phillips added: "I will really miss the staff and the children, they keep you young.

"I’ll probably find now that I’ll age 20 years in the next 12 months."

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