HC Deb 06 December 1977 vol 940 c639W
Mr. Kimball

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take action under Section 99 of the Education Act 1944 to postpone the reduction in the teaching staff by the Humberside County Education Authority at Epworth County Primary School until she has reviewed the upward trend in the young married population of the town of Epworth.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Local education authorities decide the specific staffing levels for their schools. The Secretary of State is able to take action under Section 99 only if she is satisfied that an LEA has failed to discharge any duty relating to the Act. The Act does not lay down specific criteria for staffing levels, although LEAs are required to employ suitable teachers in sufficient number to provide full-time education appropriate to the ages, abilities and aptitudes of their pupils.