Local Education Authorities

HC Deb 24 July 1997 vol 298 c749W

26. Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of state for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the application of the principle of zero tolerance to local education authorities. [8623]

Mr. Byers

As the "Excellence in Schools" White Paper explains, LEAs must demonstrate to their own schools, to parents and the local electorate and to the Department that they are doing a good job in improving their schools. The Government expect all LEAs to play their part in driving up standards.

Where it appears that an LEA is failing, the Secretary of State may direct the Office for Standards in Education to undertake an immediate inspection. If that inspection confirms the failings, it may be necessary for the Secretary of State to intervene, either by directing LEA officers or by enabling others to perform some functions until the LEA has demonstrated its capacity to resume its full responsibilities.