Julian Le Grand and David Chater’s proposal (“Raise the stakes for looked-after children”, TES, September 29) is misguided. Rules now require schools to admit LACs as a priority. The Education and Inspection Bill will shortly give the schools adjudicator power to direct admission for any LAC refused a place. From next September they should all get into the best schools.
Not all LACs may have the best advocates, and incentives may militate against schools helping the most deprived children; but this affects a much wider group. A recruitment premium for LACs is not only unnecessary but would further disadvantage those children who are inadequately supported by their natural parents.
Alan Parker
Croydon, London
