§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the role(a) the private sector and (b) the not-for-profit sector can play in the running of (i) English schools and (ii) English local education authorities; and if she will make a statement. [11485]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 15 October 2001]: Local authorities and schools can already contract with the private and voluntary sector to support schools. The White Paper "Schools: achieving success" proposes partnerships between schools, local authorities and partners who might in some cases be from the private or voluntary sector. But schools will continue to be managed by the governing body and headteacher, even where they are supported by expertise from other sources. Local education authorities should secure high quality services from the most cost-effective source available, in accordance with best value principles. Sources include the education authority itself, or partnerships with other public, voluntary or private sector bodies, both profit making and not for profit. Individual local education authorities remain responsible and accountable for the services concerned, however they are provided.