§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will issue guidelines to local education authorities regarding the role of head teachers in the election of teaching and non-teaching staff representatives on school governing bodies; what representations he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has any plans to issue guidance to local education authorities concerning the procedures for the election and appointment of governors and representatives to school governing bodies.
§ Mr. DunnA few representations have been received requesting the issue of general guidance on the procedures for elections of parent and teacher governors, but none specifically on the role of the headteacher in such matters. Under section 2(9) of the Education Act 1980, the necesary arrangements for the election of governors are left for local decision by the local education authority or, in the case of an aided or special agreement school, the governing body, always provided that any contested election is by secret ballot. In view of the wide variety of local circumstances, the Government continue to believe that these matters are best determined locally and has no plans to issue guidance on procedures.