The first writer in our mini-series is concerned that the Conservative education policy is at risk of neglecting the important lessons of the Gove years.
At times, says the Education Secretary, the post he holds requires “a bold and vociferous and constant presence”. But “at other times less so”.
Teacher supply is in crisis. Recruitment targets are not being met – in some key subjects they are being woefully missed.
Bright but disruptive pupils are allowed to stay while less able but equally troublesome children are dumped. It is illegal, but it happens nonetheless.
Where children are scared to go to school, their parents are being threatened with truancy action and given the option to home educate.
“We started this process a couple of years ago, there’s still two years and four months before teaching will begin”, the Education Secretary argues.
Voluntary-aided status works both for Catholic schools and everyone else. Furthermore, lifting the cap from new institutions could have had unexpected consequences.
Today’s announcements are extremely cautious. Some of this is justified, some less so, but it makes a stark contrast to the Gove era.
In my experience of departmental life, it will take at least six months before we can judge Javid’s management.