Government admission code plans 'weaken role of local authority'

The government's draft admissions code, which was put out for consultation today (May 31st), contains a very "disparate set of proposals", it has been claimed.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said the unifying theme of them all seems to "destroy the strategic role of the local authority" and caused divisions in the education provision provided for young people.

"Allocating school places is a complicated process and it is essential that there is a body which maintains an overview. To weaken the role of local authorities in this process is a recipe for disaster," she said.

"What is important is that every child from whatever background has access to a good local school which draws from a balanced intake across the local community and reflects all levels of ability and background."

Ms Blower added that the idea that infant classes in primary schools could go beyond 30 is a backward step.

Publishing the draft code last week, education secretary Michael Gove said the government plans to reduce the amount of red tape that schools currently face.

Posted by Dolcie Thacker
 

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