Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr F. F. Sir: In your leading article 'A race for improvement' (29 July), you suggest that the only alternative for schools that do not seek grant- maintained status is inertia and 'staying with the LEA devil they know'. I suggest that that is an overstatement, if the headteacher comments you report elsewhere
in the same edition are to be
believed.
Well-run local education authorities that work with their headteachers to identify schools' needs, and then plan the way forward with those headteachers, are far from inert and certainly not diabolical. They are vibrant, creative and well regarded by their schools and the local community. Moreover, such LEAs were commended in a speech in Liverpool only last week by Baroness Blatch, the Minister of State for Education.
There is no reason whatsoever why this week's White Paper should ring the death knell of LEAs, as some have suggested. Theirs is a changed role certainly, but it remains a significant one. Joint planning with headteachers is, I suggest, the key, and that has been our approach in North Yorkshire for the past two years. I am sure that we are not unique.
As County Education Officer to North Yorkshire, I do, of course, have an interest to declare, but it is not in inertia and certainly not in mere survival. My vested interest, and that of North Yorkshire County Council, is in developing a dynamic service dedicated to excellence and aiming at the best possible start in life for every child. Our vested interest is the same as the Prime Minister's.
Yours faithfully,
FRED EVANS
County Education Officer
North Yorkshire County Council
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
29 July
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments