Academies raise fears about losing independence

In a letter to schools minister Jim Knight, the IAA expressed its "growing dismay" that academies were increasingly becoming answerable to councils and children's services.

The letter, signed by IAA chair Mike Butler, said the government was backtracking on its stance that academies should be independent of councils.

It also said academies were being restricted by the "vagaries of local bureaucracy" and accused Children's Secretary Ed Balls of attempting to "curry favour with left-wingers ahead of a Labour leadership campaign".

According to the IAA, education legislation going through parliament that will extend the power of councils will result in "forced collaboration" with children's services, a development it views as "deeply disturbing".

In response to the letter, Knight said: "We're clear that academies' independence and freedom to innovate is absolutely key to their success, which is why we will continue to protect them. These freedoms allow academy leaders to challenge traditional thinking and help make a complete break with cultures of low aspiration, introducing a new ethos and enriching the curriculum.
 
"There is nothing in the new bill that gives more powers to local authorities in regards to academies. However we do believe that children's trusts and behaviour partnerships are both of such importance that we want all schools and academies to be covered by the legislation."