Mark Whitehead 29 April 2016

Tory education chief sees ‘no democracy’ in forced academisation

Devon’s Tory education chief has added his voice to protests over government plans to force all schools to become academies.

Cllr James McInnes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said he believed the proposals were wrong and undemocratic.

It follows a warning earlier this week by the County Councils Network that the academisation policy was being pursued ‘with undue haste’ and would pose a risk to schools.

The proposals, unveiled by chancellor George Osborne in his last budget, would mean all state schools being turned into academies by 2022.

Cllr McInnes told a local newspaper: ‘As a Conservative I struggle with this. I am not against schools taking ownership and control, schools are independent places now.

‘But I believe it is wrong to try to force heads and governors into following a path they would not otherwise choose – especially when there is no evidence to suggest that this approach will improve performance.

’86% of our children in Devon are already being taught in schools judged good or outstanding by Ofsted compared to 80% nationally.

‘And while people can remove me at the ballot box if they are not happy, the role of overseeing the performance of academies is being passed to unelected and faceless bureaucrats in London and Bristol.

‘I can see no democracy in that.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Duty Managers (Sports Centres)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£14.28 per hour plus 12.07% holiday relief pay al
Casual Duty Managers (Sports Centres)
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + +26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding TriagePermanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Mechanical Engineer (Gas) - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £450.0000 per day
Mechanical Engineer (Gas) Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary 6-12 Months £350.88 PAYE / £450.00 Umbrella Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Planner - Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Council
£50 - £55 per hour
Principal Planner - Basildon Borough Council Full-Time, Temporary 6 Months Contract 36.25 hours£50-£55 per hour Umbrella Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Systems Analyst Applications

Oxfordshire County Council
£46412 - £49282
The ICT Principal Systems Analyst will be the subject matter expert on the Children's Social Care and Early Help Applications. They will be aware of and will contribute to Application roadmap developments, keep abreast of legislative changes and customer Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner