Reports of the Labour party abandoning policies over returning opt-out schools to local education authority control constantly appear. Labour does not believe in LEAs controlling schools, nor have LEAs ever done so. Local management has developed so that schools run themselves but are accountable for their decisions and achievements to the governing body and the LEA.
Opting-out removes that accountability, especially since the governing body is a self-appointed oligarchy. Labour will end opt-out status and re-integrate those schools into the LEA sector. However, there is no question of LEA control, but of partnership in raising standards for all students.
GRAHAM LANE Chair Association of Metropolitan Authorities Education committee 110 Humberstone Road Plaistow London E13
