§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he has authorised the Chief Executive of OFSTED to make public statements on the future control of Hackney's schools; and if he will make a statement. [56910]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisHer Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools is free to report on the situation in any school or LEA which OFSTED has inspected.
It is for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to make decisions about the use of his powers under the new School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase resources for Hackney's schools and to raise morale among pupils and teachers. [56911]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisHackney currently receives over 40 per cent. more education SSA funding per pupil than the national average. Decisions on resources for individual authorities for 1999–2000 will be announced later in the autumn. At this stage, nothing has been ruled in or out.
Before the end of the year we intend to publish a Green Paper which will set out our vision for the future of the teaching profession. The paper will detail plans for improving the status and morale of teachers by rewarding good teachers in difficult schools and providing a new structure of promotion opportunities. It will also give details of investment to support improved professional development to build on measures already in hand on training, induction and appraisal. I hope that Hackney teachers will play a full part in the consultation process.
§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he or his officials have had with the Chief Executive of OFSTED on handing over control of Hackney's schools to a private company; and if he will make a statement. [56909]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisNo such discussions have taken place.
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