'Destructive and damaging' -- MP blasts plans for Louth and Horncastle schools
Conservative MP Victoria Atkins has blasted government plans that she describes as “destructive and damaging” for schools in Louth and Horncastle.
The proposed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill gives local councils the power to cut places, potentially reducing the capacity of some schools, and to restructure or even close schools in areas with falling pupil-numbers.
The Labour government insists this would prevent schools making decisions on their own that could hinder the way parents choose the best school for their children.
However, Ms Atkins feels it would result in good schools being barred from growing or even staying the same size without explicit permission from the council. And this could mean fewer children getting the chance of a successful education.
She has voted for an amendment, tabled by the Conservatives, to the Bill, fearing that Labour’s plans would “remove parental choice and a crucial driver of healthy competition that raises standards in schools across the board”.
The MP said: “For years, parents have been able to vote with their feet, driving up the quality of education in local areas.
"Labour’s Bill would result in failing schools being propped up, and that is bad news for everyone, especially the most disadvantaged pupils.
“I want to see good schools grow and deliver more opportunities for children in Louth and Horncastle. That’s why I voted against Labour’s damaging plans to limit pupil admission numbers for high-performing schools.
“Parents should get genuine choice when it comes to their children’s education. But Labour wants to restrict that choice and prop up failing schools rather than giving good ones their full support.
“The Conservatives will keep fighting against the government’s plans. We want to see every child get the best possible start in life.”
Laura Trott, the Conservatives’ Shadow Education Secretary, labels the Bill “ideological madness”, claiming it risks good and outstanding schools being held back and unable to expand.
However, a Labour Party spokesperson said: “Every parent should be able to send their child to a good local school, and we want a choice of good schools for all families.
"That is why, when we bring forward an updated statutory school admissions code, it will make securing a high-quality education and high levels of parental choice central factors.
“At a time of declining pupil numbers, schools acting unilaterally in isolation can put that parental choice at risk.
"That is why it is essential to help ensure that all schools and local councils work together to make sure place-planning delivers a choice of high-quality schools for all families.
“This Labour government is determined to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and to deliver a better education system.
"After more than a decade of parents and pupils being let down by the Tories, we know these changes will take time. But we are committed to this next step on the road to building a Britain for all.”