Parents should have class webcams

Password protection would address security concerns

Webcams and microphones should be installed in classrooms to give parents a bird's eye view of their children at school, teachers say.

The idea, from members of the Professional Association of Teachers (PAT), aimed to give parents greater involvement in their offspring's education.

It was also hoped the scheme could support teachers in their quest to discipline unruly pupils - a longstanding concern of the profession.

Design and technology teacher Simon Smith, who put the idea to delegates at the PAT annual conference in Harrogate on Tuesday, said new technology offered new ways forward.

'Technology available'

"This is just one step from the threat 'If your parents could see you now'," said Mr Smith.

"We've got the technology available that can allow that to happen remotely."

Mr Smith, who teaches at Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh, Essex, said the gap in parents' knowledge of the education system was widening and interactive participation in the school day could help to bridge it.

"Parents could log on to a school site by password and become fully engaged in their child's education," he said.

"They would be able to see for themselves what is being taught.

"They would be able to follow what homework is set and, on occasions, see for themselves some of the real challenges we face when dealing with their children."

Big Brother

Mr Smith acknowledged that some teachers could feel uncomfortable about such direct access into the classroom, but put this down to an "Ofsted-based legacy of fear".

"We can't shut the door and say 'What goes on in here is my business' - it has to be more open than that.

"It's important to share views, listen to criticism and develop our own techniques."

Mr Smith admitted there could be some security concerns about pupils being on camera, but said school sites could be protected by entry being on a password-only basis.

But his proposal was overwhelmingly rejected on a show of hands.

The Department for Education in England said schools would be able to use webcams if they wished.

It was not "actively promoted" by the department, a spokesperson said.

"It would be for individual schools to determine the best means of monitoring classroom behaviour, taking into account all relevant considerations, such as privacy issues, parents' views and the position of the local authority."