Former education minister proposes talks on France’s school problems

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem wants students, teachers, local authorities and parents to meet and decide which education problems need attention first.

She says the government should commit to carrying out the agreed measures.

She also argues that urgent repairs at dozens or hundreds of badly run-down schools could be done within months.

Her proposal comes as student protests continue and the education minister has announced that 3,000 substitute teachers will be sent to struggling schools by Tuesday.