Hackney education intervention 'to end'

October 26 2009

An end to government intervention in local authority plans for education has been signalled by children's secretary Ed Balls.

Speaking at the National Children and Adult Services conference in Harrogate, Mr Balls said that local authorities in Hackney and Bradford will now be able to submit succession plans to the government to show how they intend to improve education and children's services.

Mr Balls said that he did not wish to intervene in any local authority for longer than is necessary and that intervention will always be used only as a last resort.

"Where we do step in, I don't want us to be involved for any longer than we need to be," he said, adding that he is keen for involvement in Hackney and Bradford to end as soon as he is convinced there is support in place to ensure progress can continue."

Involvement with Hackney was scheduled to end in 2012.

Earlier this month Mr Balls revealed plans to offer accreditation to school leaders who will be able to take charge of a number of schools to help improve standards.

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