Context
A constituent governor in Windsor felt pushed out after raising concerns about senior teaching staff, and there are reports suggesting similar issues elsewhere. The issue involves potential conflicts of interest where trustees may be marking their own homework.
Question
I have a case in my constituency where a governor feels that she was pushed out, having raised concerns about senior teaching staff. I understand from last year’s Sky News report that that may not necessarily be an isolated incident, as the accountability process potentially involves trustees marking their own homework. I am a strong supporter of academies, but there must be a balance. Will the Minister commit to bringing in a system of accountability and transparency to prevent such things from happening?
Answer from The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
Where concerns about an academy are identified or raised, the Department works closely with the trust to ensure that all statutory requirements are being met. We are legislating in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill for a more proportionate route to intervention in the event of trusts not complying with legal duties, or acting in a way that is not reasonable.
Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to introducing a specific system of accountability and transparency as requested.
How: Legislating For More Proportionate Intervention
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