Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 7
7
The Department and ESFA work closely with Regional Schools Commissioners to oversee and support the...
Conclusion
The Department and ESFA work closely with Regional Schools Commissioners to oversee and support the sector. Regional Schools Commissioners currently operate across eight regions in England.14 The Department stated that it was looking at the split between regional areas and whether these could be better aligned with the regional split used elsewhere in government, including by Ofsted. The Department told us the main difference would be for London to become its own region, whereas it is currently split between three districts.15
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
1.5 The department is working with Falcon Education Academies Trust and St Joseph’s Catholic MAT to pilot a new approach for schools that, for various reasons, cannot be placed with a strong MAT sponsor. The White Paper sets out policies to remove barriers that are preventing schools from benefiting from the support of a strong trust. LAs will be able to establish new strong trusts, and church and faith schools will have their unique ethos protected as they join or form trusts. Regional Directors will engage local partners to determine the best way to develop a strong trust landscape that suits their area – investing up to £86 million over the next three areas in building trust capacity, focused particularly in Education Investment Areas.