Clause 2 - Power to suspend statutory requirements etc.
[Part I]Education Bill
5:00 pm
Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)
I forget which hon. Member raised the issue this morning, but whether we like it or not, some conflicts between schools and their LEAs are inevitable. Of course, LEAs should be consultees: the Minister accepted that this morning and regulations in clauses 2 and 4 will be put into operation to ensure that they are.
All that is sought through the amendment is an assumption that dispensations should be given—whether applied for by an LEA or by a school—unless there is good reason not to give them. The Minister outlined some good reasons, for example, representations by the chief inspector. If Ofsted puts a school or local authority under special measures, that should be taken into consideration.