HC Deb 20 May 1976 vol 911 c660W
Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what redress is available to parents whose children have been sent home from school on the instruction of a local education authority in dispute with teachers over proposed reductions in teacher-pupil ratios; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

If a parent in such circumstances considers that the LEA has acted unreasonably, he can complain to my right hon. Friend who has power to intervene if he is satisfied that the LEA has so acted.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which education authorities in England have declined to accept his guidance on maintaining teacher-pupil ratios in schools; and what action he has taken in each case.

Miss Margaret Jackson

No local education authorities have so far informed my right hon. Friend that they decline to accept the guidance on school staffing standards given in Circular 15/75. Under the current arrangements for monitoring the employment of teachers, my right hon. Friend is due to receive information during this summer from individual authorities which will enable him to assess whether they intend to maintain their standards during 1976–77.