Clause 14
Education and Inspections Bill
4:00 pm
David Chaytor (Bury North, Labour)
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend the Minister for that clarification. However, the clause remains unsatisfactory inasmuch as it gives specific attention to rural primary schools. It lists a number of the criteria that should apply to rural primary schools but does not list them all because, as my right hon. Friend pointed out, the question of standards, parental preference and diversity are also factors in closure decisions. However, the criteria that apply to rural primary schools could apply equally to urban primary schools or secondary schools.
A powerful argument can be made for including in the Bill the criteria that apply to all school closures, primary and secondary, rural and urban. It would help the process. It would assist with the plans of local authorities and governing bodies, with the publication of closure notices, and in a public understanding of the reasons for schools closing. Generally, the process would be more efficient as a result. However, in light of my right hon. Friend’s clarification, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.