Clause 11
Education and Inspections Bill
12:00 pm
Annette Brooke (Children & the Family, Cross-Portfolio and Non-Portfolio Responsibilities; Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)
I would like to make somebrief comments because the Liberal Democrats support the general principle of federation. It fitswith our alternative vision—alternative to that of the Government and the Conservatives, that is—of a collaborative model. I have some questions about exactly what is envisaged under the clause. Like the hon. Gentleman I find that that is not entirely clear when one refers to the 2002 Act, and we join in the request for clarity.
I am interested also in the fact that federation could be horizontal, vertical or a mixture, and would like the Minister to comment on that. I can see that in some areas a vertical federation would provide advantages such as continuity and economies of scale in purchasing, among other things; interesting ideas also emerge from what would effectively be the twinning of schools, when a school with a particular strength could support another that might be weaker in that area, and vice versa. We support the principles, but would like more detail.