Where schools are below the floor standards or are causing concern, it is vital that there is robust and rapid intervention to quickly improve performance. The Department will work with the schools and the local authorities concerned to ensure that there is a comprehensive improvement plan in place.
Where there are serious concerns, local authorities should use performance standards and safety warning notices to ensure that standards do not slip further.
Where schools become eligible for intervention local authorities should exercise their powers to require the governing body to enter into arrangements; to appoint additional governors; to suspend the delegated authority for the school’s budget or to appoint an Interim Executive Board.
Where there is a history of underperformance, local authorities can take action to convert these schools to academies with the support of a strong sponsor.
Where local authorities fail to use their powers effectively, the Secretary of State will exercise his powers with a view to ensuring that standards improve, which is likely to result in an academy solution for the school.
