Member

My noble friend has offered an alternative to Clause 54. Amendment 452 makes it clear that the local authority should be directing an academy to admit children only when the trust has failed to meet its obligations or where there is clear evidence of disadvantage or unfair treatment. It would also require the local authority making the direction to provide evidence and carry out a consultation with the admission authority before doing so. All this seems like common sense to me and brings a sense of balance to the desire to expedite the placement of children who are in need of a school place. I support my noble friend’s amendment 100% and I think it really does address the points raised by the noble Baroness, Lady Bousted, about not in any way interfering with the local authority’s duties.