As we know from the code of practice on relationships between local education authorities and schools and from the Office for Standards in Education framework, leadership and challenges are two of the main roles that the Government asks of officers.

I appeal to the Secretary of State to open up the Leadership College to education officers in recognition of their professional development needs. A similar arrangement works well in Northern Ireland.

Secondly, could I encourage the Secretary of State to follow the example of the Department of Health and increase the level of support for the Virtual Staff College so that professional development for chief education officers is not run on a shoestring.

Christine Whatford

Director of education

London borough of

Hammersmith and Fulham

King Street, London W6