Council leaders have welcomed the Government’s plans to introduce inspections of multi-academy trusts, saying the move will bring ‘greater transparency’.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson yesterday (7 January) tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to bring academy trusts into the inspection system.
Under the proposals, inspections will provide independent scrutiny of leadership, governance and impact, including how effectively trusts improve schools, support staff, use resources and promote pupil wellbeing.
‘Every child no matter their background should be able to achieve and thrive, and strong schools working together through high quality trusts help make that possible,’ said Phillipson.
‘That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs.’
The reforms will also introduce new intervention powers where trusts are not meeting acceptable standards, alongside recognition for those demonstrating excellence and helping schools across communities to succeed.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: ‘Inspections and greater transparency will support improvement in educational standards, the identification and resolution of patterns of concern, and enable greater learning between trusts.’
