Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Uppal Excerpts

Monday 23rd May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con)]

2. What steps he is taking to reduce the burden of administration on schools; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr Nick Gibb)]

The Government are committed to reducing the administrative burden on schools. We have already announced that the lengthy self-evaluation form will be removed, FMSiS—the financial management standard in schools—will be scrapped, and the inspection framework will be streamlined. All data collections are being reviewed and we have included measures in the Education Bill to remove unnecessary regulations. In addition, we are taking action to reduce dramatically the volume of guidance and advice issued to schools.

[Paul Uppal]

Free schools and academies reduce bureaucracy so that more time can be spent on education. Does the Minister agree that all those schools should be encouraged in all areas so that children from any background can have access to an environment that encourages aspiration and ambition?

[Mr Gibb]

My hon. Friend is right. The recent Public Accounts Committee report on academies found that they have achieved rapid academic improvements and raised aspirations in some of the most challenging schools in some of the most deprived parts of the country. That is why we are expanding the academies programme and encouraging more providers to enter the free schools movement.