ABSTRACT
The international scene since 1997 was similar to the years preceding the change of government: discord in the Middle East; threats of war between India and Pakistan; the need to supply troops to keep the peace in Europe. By July 1997 an Education Act was passed, abolishing the assisted places scheme. This was welcomed by the Labour Party and most of the education world. In July there was another Education Act: The School Standards and Framework Act. This was the first major piece of New Labour legislation on education, and it was very long. The final education Act of 1999 was the Further and Higher Education Act which took account of the recommendations of the Dearing Reports on further and higher education. Primary teachers have a broader conception of educational aims embracing the whole child and many have felt a conflict of values in implementing government policy.
