HC Deb 22 May 1997 vol 294 cc125-6W
30. Mr. Alan Keen

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what role he proposes local education authorities will have in supporting schools to raise standards. [222]

Mr. Byers

The Government sees a fundamental role for local education authorities in a partnership to raise standards. The forthcoming White Paper will set out the Government's proposals for LEA Development Plans which will specify how each LEA will provide local leadership focused on raising standards in all its schools. The role will include: providing the data schools need to set challenging but realistic improvement targets; monitoring performance; working with schools before they develop serious weaknesses; taking decisive action where necessary; and promoting good practice by providing effective advisory and other professional support services.