This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New powers to act on failing schools
06/10/2004
New powers which give Ministers the power to act when
schools fail to raise standards were approved by MSPs
today.
The School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent
Schools) (Scotland) Bill passed through the final stages of
its parliamentary journey.
The Bill, which will receive Royal Assent in due course,
gives Ministers last resort powers to secure
improvements.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) will
recommend when and where Ministers should take action.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"Children have just one opportunity to benefit from
their school education. We cannot allow the inaction of a
school or council to ruin the life chances of any
child.
"At present we have a gap in the system - there is
currently no statutory obligation on schools or councils to
act on HMIE recommendations.
"We have now addressed that gap. It is not about
ministerial hit squads or the micro-management of schools;
it is about ensuring that all those responsible for raising
standards do so.
"We will shortly be unveiling the most comprehensive
school modernisation programme for a generation. This
legislation gives us the platform to ensure all schools and
councils play their part."
The Bill also gives Ministers stronger powers to ensure
the quality of education and welfare in independent
schools.