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Complex reform of the education system will only work with the help of councils, the leader of local government has warned. LGA chairman, Dame Margaret Eaton, challenged new education secretary, Michael Gove, after he promised to ‘free schools from local authority control', pointing out councils had mainly an advisory role. The former teacher explained to Mr Gove in direct talks that his plans for academies could lead to inequalities in the system. She told The MJ: ‘The question is, what happens to children whose parents aren't interested in running a school or the schools that aren't an academy. The problem is that if more and more schools become academies, there will be less resources for those which are not.' ‘I think Mr Gove made clear he sees a statutory role for local authorities. But there is potential for a two-tier system, if reform isn't worked through properly.' Other critical issues to be resolved are how the department will support councils which have seen a significant demand for more school places, ensuring special education needs are met, and making sure the pledge to improve parental choice does not result in legal challenges. Dame Margaret said: ‘These are the questions we've got to ask Mr Gove. But we are not saying, "You've got it wrong."' Concern is also mounting that to change the system without council help would lead to a quango, such as Ofsted, stepping in. In response, Mr Gove backtracked and issued a letter urging council leaders, chief executives and directors of children's services to help find a way to make his vision a reality: ‘I would be interested in hearing from you directly about how you believe we can strengthen local authorities and drive up standards,' he said.

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Councils' key role to see through school reforms

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