Education Bill [Lords]

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 1:47 pm on 7 April 2005.

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Photo of Stephen Twigg Stephen Twigg Minister of State (Education and Skills) (School Standards) 1:47, 7 April 2005

I thank my right hon. Friend, who refers to an issue that was very much part of the debate in the other place and in Committee. We want to ensure that while we promote the autonomy of schools we also encourage them not only to work with each other but, as she rightly says, to work with other agencies that are concerned with the needs of children and young people. It is vital that we as a Department, local government, schools themselves and Ofsted—about which the Bill talks a great deal—ensure that there is coherence between the emphasis on autonomy and the emphasis on high standards, collaboration and real accountability.

The Bill builds on the improvements across our schools system since 1997. It sets the stage for a mature new relationship between the Government and schools whereby schools have the freedom to drive their own improvement, and looks forward to a new era in which we can realise our shared ambition to secure high quality learning and opportunity for all learners. I am very pleased to commend it to the House.