Nursery World - Budget: Compulsory academies plan slammed

Government plans to end local authority control of the country’s schools have been slammed as ‘undemocratic’ and an ‘ideological step too far’ by teaching unions and local authorities.

George Osborne set out in today's budget radical plans to force all schools into the academy system by 2022.

In his conference speech last autumn, prime minister David Cameron outlined his ‘vision for our schooling system’ which involved giving headteachers and teachers rather than 'bureaucrats' control of education.

Mr Osborne has also announced the setting aside of £1.5bn, to fund five extra hours’ teaching or activities a week, to lengthen the school day.

Education secretary Nicky Morgan is expected to give more details of the shake-up when she opens the House of Commons budget debate tomorrow.

Roy Perry, chairman of the Local Government Association's children and young people board, said the Government’s argument ‘defies reason’ since 82 per cent of council-maintained schools are Ofsted-rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’.

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