On Tuesday 10th May, Essex County Councillors from all parties united to oppose the forced conversion of Essex schools into academies.
Members from all parties voted for a Liberal Democrat motion which opposed government plans to:
and
The government announced last week it would no longer force every school to become a academy by 2022. However it is still committed to forcing every school in specific categories to convert.
Liberal Democrat Group Leader Mike Mackrory (county councillor for Springfield), who moved the motion, said:
“The government’s U-turn is only partial. Many schools are still at risk of being forced to convert to academies against the wishes of teachers and parents. I am very pleased the county council backed the Liberal Democrat view today and will continue to lobby the government to change its mind.”
Epping and Theydon Bois Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Whitehouse, who seconded the motion, added:
“Most teachers, parents and school governors want schools to focus on teaching, learning and making sure children get the best start in life. We don’t want the distraction of unnecessary and damaging government-imposed structural changes which will make schools more remote from their communities.” (based on an article by ALDC)