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Proceeding contribution from Lord Lucas (Conservative) in the House of Lords on Monday, 21 June 2010. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Academies Bill [HL].


Academies Bill [HL]

I apologise for the misprint in my Amendment 33. For the word ““roles”” noble Lords should read ““rules”” and they will get a greater, if not absolute, idea of the sense of it. I am concerned about how the governing bodies of these academies will be dealt with when they go wrong. They can get into a mess from time to time when they are captured by strong individuals with very particular ideas. They can become at odds with parents and heads, and can contribute to poor performance in the school. I understand what happens under current academies with sponsors. But in an academy without a sponsor, what process will be gone through to set the governing body back on the right path? Who complains to whom? Who reaches a judgment as to what is happening? Who takes action under what powers? What general powers will parents have to set things right if they see things going wrong? I do not think that there are any contractual arrangements with parents. So, if a school is failing to provide education, what is the route for the parent to enforce the right to education for their child? Finally, at Second Reading, I asked whether we might be circulated with a model funding agreement. I have not seen that yet and I am keen to do so while we are discussing these matters.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
719 c1211 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Curriculum Finance Governing bodies Local government Parents Public consultation Primary education Standards Teachers Special educational needs Secondary education Trusts Academies Free schools Maintained schools
Legislation
Academies Bill (HL) 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk