"It is good the Government has acted on our call for councils to be allowed to establish their own multi-academy trusts. This recognises the important role of councils as education partners and enables maintained schools to continue enjoying a close working relationship with their council."
Responding to the announcement of a Schools Bill in the Queen’s Speech, Cllr Teresa Heritage, Vice Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“It is good the Government has acted on our call for councils to be allowed to establish their own multi-academy trusts. This recognises the important role of councils as education partners and enables maintained schools to continue enjoying a close working relationship with their council.
“We are pleased government will introduce a compulsory register for children not in school. While for some children home schooling can be a positive experience, we have long called for a register for all home educators to ensure children are receiving a suitable education in a safe environment, as well as the tools and flexibilities for councils to check a child’s home schooling.
“Action on illegal schools will be key in ensuring children aren’t taught in an unsuitable or dangerous environment. However we would like government to go further, and give councils, who know their local areas best, the powers to quickly close illegal schools.”
Notes to editors
Research for the LGA published today found 92 per cent of council-maintained schools were rated outstanding or good by Ofsted as of 31 January 2022, compared to 85 per cent of academies that were graded since they converted.