Education and Inspections Bill
2:15 pm
Jacqui Smith (Minister of State (Schools and 14-19 Learners), Department for Education and Skills; Redditch, Labour)
I do not doubt that my hon. Friend’s amendments are extremely subtle. However, I have spelled out the subtleties and practicalities in the way in which we expect parents and others to be consulted both before the publication of the competition proposals, and on the judgment on those proposals.
The provisions show that the proposals will be considered properly, and I hope that my hon. Friend will agree that his amendments are therefore not needed. It is absolutely right that I have had this opportunity to spell out the important role that local parents and other stakeholders will have.
I have tried to explain why I think that the Bill as drafted achieves the right balance, including the clarification that I hope that I have been able to give about the criteria that we will use for allowing or not allowing local authorities to enter community schools into competitions. The process will encourage a more diverse and dynamic education system while allowing the possibility of new community schools where the case is sufficiently strong. On that basis, I invite all hon. Members not to press their amendments.