The regional schools commissioners (RSCs) have been involved in nine applications for new academies under the academy presumption (section 6A of the Education and Inspections Act 2006). RSCs do not make the decision about whether a new school is needed or not. This decision lies with the relevant local authority, and arises from the basic need for more pupil places. The RSCs\u2019 role is limited to deciding who would be the best proposer to establish the new school.<\/p>
In six cases the RSC approved the proposer recommended by the local authority. In three cases a different proposer was approved. In each case this decision was taken based on an assessment of the capacity, capability and performance of all proposers.<\/p>
RSCs do not currently make decisions about free school applications.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1605", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Timpson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Crewe and Nantwich"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Edward Timpson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-29T17:54:54.9421321Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Academies"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many new school applications have been processed by regional school commissioners; how many such applications were (a) approved and (b) refused; and what the reasons for such approval or refusal were in each case.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4000", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Ian Mearns"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gateshead"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Ian Mearns"} ], "uin" : "211862"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100928", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100928/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Regional Schools Commissioners structure has been designed to share London\u2019s expertise and track record in school improvement with wider geographic areas.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4270", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Nash"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Nash"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-29T12:28:20.4816049Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Regional Schools Commissioners: Greater London"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what was their reason for dividing responsibility for London between three regional school commissioners.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4297", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb"} ], "uin" : "HL2396"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100929", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100929/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Department for Education determined the structure for Regional Schools Commissioners in December 2013 and they began their role in September 2014. The Government has not seen evidence that restructuring the regions is necessary and currently has no plans to make changes to the regional boundaries.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4270", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Nash"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Nash"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-29T12:29:35.5931038Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Regional Schools Commissioners: Greater London"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what consideration they have given to the recommendation of the London Assembly Education Panel, in its report London learners, London lives<\/i> published on 16 September, that London should be covered by a single London-wide, London-only regional school commissioner.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4297", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb"} ], "uin" : "HL2397"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100693", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100693/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
As was the case under previous Administrations, details of internal meetings are not normally disclosed.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1605", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Timpson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Crewe and Nantwich"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Edward Timpson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-28T15:01:42.6547808Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Families"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2013 to Question 210316, if she will publish the minutes of her meetings with her Cabinet colleagues on the proposed contents of the Family Test announced by the Prime Minister on 18 August 2014.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4138", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rushanara Ali"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bethnal Green and Bow"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rushanara Ali"} ], "uin" : "211723"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100694", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100694/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
School staffing policy is a matter for the devolved administrations. A review of teacher assistant standards for schools in England was launched recently. It is led by Kate Dethridge who is being supported by a panel of experts. A public call for evidence will be initiated shortly which will explore good practice across schools. The Department for Education also plans carry out a public consultation once the standards have been agreed by the expert panel. Use of the standards will be voluntary.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr David Laws"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Yeovil"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Laws"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-29T12:53:16.092801Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Classroom Assistants"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, in light of the announcement that a new set of standards is to be established for teaching assistants in England, what discussions she has had with her counterparts in the devolved administrations on ensuring consistency in standards for teaching assistants across the UK.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1388", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Belfast North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Nigel Dodds"} ], "uin" : "211668"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100798", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100798/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The School Admissions Code 2012 requires all state-funded schools to give admission priority to looked-after and previously looked-after children. [1]<\/p>
In May this year the Department issued additional guidance to clarify its position for school admission authorities in relation to children adopted from local authority care. This was to ensure that all children adopted from local authority care in England and Wales should have the highest priority rather than restricting priority to those children adopted from care under the Adoption and Children Act 2002.<\/p>
The most recent report of the Office of the Schools Adjudicator indicates that this requirement has been met in most of the arrangements seen by adjudicators (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/307182/osa_annual_report_12-13.pdf<\/a>) but acknowledges there is more to be done to ensure that all schools comply fully with this requirement.<\/p> The Children and Families Act 2014 included a new provision to place the role of Virtual School Head (VSH) on a statutory footing. VSHs have a role in promoting the education of the children their authority looks after and that includes ensuring everyone understands the requirements in the Code.<\/p> <\/p> [1] Previously looked-after children are those who have been adopted from care and those who left care under a Special Guardianship Order or Residence (now Child Arrangements) Order.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1605", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Timpson"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Crewe and Nantwich"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Edward Timpson"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-28T17:41:31.1748743Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Schools: Admissions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2014 from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools to the Earl of Listowel, Official Report, House of Lords, column 553, what estimate she has made of the number of schools that do not prioritise looked-after children.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1400", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kevin Brennan"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Cardiff West"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Kevin Brennan"}
], "uin" : "211783"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100352", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100352/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The approach the Department for Education has adopted is to make the assessment of children\u2019s rights an integral part of policy and legislative development rather than a one-off exercise. The results of this approach are reflected in the equality impact assessment published for the Education Act 2011.[1]<\/p> Our consideration of children\u2019s rights during the legislative process also takes account of advice from the Joint Committee on Human Rights.<\/p> The Office of the Children\u2019s Commissioner is an independent non-Departmental public body and is responsible for publishing the reports it produces.[2]<\/p> The ECHR and UNCRC note on the Children and Families Act 2014.[3]<\/p> [1] www.webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130802140618/https://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/e/the%20education%20act%202011%20equalities%20impact%20assessment.pdf<\/a><\/p> [2] www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk<\/a><\/p> [3] www.webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140430083435/http:/www.education.gov.uk/dfe/b00221161/children-families-bill<\/a><\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1605", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Timpson"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Crewe and Nantwich"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Edward Timpson"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "211621"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-27T17:53:40.5772713Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Children's Rights"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2014 to Question 210316, if she will publish the outcome of considerations of the potential effect of government policy proposals and government proposals for legislation on the rights of children carried out by the Children's Commissioner under the provisions of the Children and Families Act 2014.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4138", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rushanara Ali"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bethnal Green and Bow"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rushanara Ali"}
], "uin" : "211622"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100353", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100353/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The approach the Department for Education has adopted is to make the assessment of children\u2019s rights an integral part of policy and legislative development rather than a one-off exercise. The results of this approach are reflected in the equality impact assessment published for the Education Act 2011.[1]<\/p> Our consideration of children\u2019s rights during the legislative process also takes account of advice from the Joint Committee on Human Rights.<\/p> The Office of the Children\u2019s Commissioner is an independent non-Departmental public body and is responsible for publishing the reports it produces.[2]<\/p> The ECHR and UNCRC note on the Children and Families Act 2014.[3]<\/p> [1] www.webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130802140618/https://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/e/the%20education%20act%202011%20equalities%20impact%20assessment.pdf<\/a><\/p>