Clause 3 - Duty to consider parental representations
Education and Inspections Bill
1:45 pm
David Chaytor (Bury North, Labour)
Clause 3 is important and useful. It is drafted in the context of concern about the lack of responsiveness of some local authorities and the lack of capacity of some to raise standards in their schools. Therefore, the shift towards giving parents greater power and influence is useful. Some of the Conservatives’ amendments are attractive—the ideas to set specified time limits and to have certifying documents signed by local authority cabinet members have some merits.
The point is, however, that the shift of influence to parents would take place in the context of the strength of local democracy and the growing disengagement from it of some citizens. I am not sure that under the guise of devolving greater power to parents and enabling them to use other mechanisms to bypass the normal democratic process, we would necessarily strengthen trust and confidence. In reality, we would be encouraging a form of direct action. Although direct action has a place in democratic societies, it should not be allowed to override the normal process of the ballot box. I mention that because it is a risk involved with policy to strengthen the role of parents.