Clause 62 - Academies
Education Bill
10:30 am
Mr Win Griffiths (Bridgend, Labour)
With this it will be convenient to take the following:
Amendment: No. 477, in clause 66, page 43, line 31, after 'may' insert
', and where section [Parents' Demand for Additional Schools or Academies] applies, shall'.
Amendment No. 478, in clause 66, page 44, line 13, after 'may', insert
', and where section [Parents' Demand for Additional Schools or Academies] applies, shall'.
New clause 7—Parents' demand for additional schools or academies:—
'(a) Where the conditions in subsection (b) apply the prescribed person shall consider the establishment of a school of a description in section 66(2).
(b) The conditions are:
(i) that an initial proposal, generally conforming to a form prescribed by regulations, for a new school has been published;
(ii) that a number of parents of pupils likely to be eligible for admission to the school have indicated in writing their support for the initial proposal;
(iii) that the initial proposal and the indications of support shall have been delivered to the prescribed person.
(c) The prescribed person is (in the case of an Academy) the Secretary of State and (in the case of a community, foundation or voluntary school) the local education authority.
(d) The Secretary of State shall by regulation, to be approved by positive vote of both Houses, set out the content of the form of initial proposal mentioned in subsection (b)(i) above, that content not to require the provision of information not generally available to members of the public.
(e) Where a initial proposal has been considered the prescribed person shall either give in writing his reasons for the rejection of the proposal (which must be from among those set out in subsection (f) below),or use his best endeavours to establish a new school or academy broadly conforming to the initial proposal.
(f) The reasons for rejection are:
(i) that there are sufficient places available for pupils of the age and number mentioned in the initial proposal in schools within reasonable travelling time of the pupils' homes, such schools not being in special measures or having serious weaknesses, and
(ii) that there are sufficient places available for pupils of the age and number mentioned in the initial proposal in schools of the character mentioned in the initial proposal within reasonable travelling time of the pupils' homes, such schools not being in special measures or having serious weaknesses, or
(iii) that insufficient parents have indicated their support for the initial proposal to make a school of the size and character mentioned in the initial proposal reasonably viable, having regard to current patterns of expenditure on schools in the area, or
(iv) such other reason as the Secretary of State may add by regulations to be approved by both Houses.
(g) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to assist in the development of initial proposals under this section.
(h) ''Proposals'' in this section does not have the meaning in section 66.'.