LGA responds to OFSTED chief's ambitions for English education

Responding to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills, Sir Michael Wilshaw's comments on his ambitions for English education and the need for powerful political figures to have responsibility for the performance of local schools, Cllr Roy Perry, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Children and Young People Board, said: "Over 80 per cent of council maintained schools are currently rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted. Local authorities should be regarded as education improvement partners rather than as a barrier to change. Hundreds of schools, often in disadvantaged areas, are being turned around thanks to the intervention of local councils and it clear that strong leadership, outstanding classroom teaching and effective support staff and governors are the crucial factors in transforming standards in struggling schools.