Posted on Tuesday 30th Aug 2016
Academy budgets should be overseen by local authorities following a series of financial abuses, say council leaders.
Cash earmarked for education in England is too often "disappearing into the back pockets of those in charge", says the Local Government Association.
Current scrutiny is ineffective, leaving the media and whistleblowers to uncover fraud, argues the LGA.
The government says academies and free schools are subject to greater scrutiny than council-run schools.
Council leaders are urging Education Secretary Justine Greening to restore local oversight of all school finances "providing democratic accountability so that parents and communities can be confident their children aren't missing out".
They say the Education Funding Agency, the official body responsible for the financial oversight of academies and free schools, lacks the capacity "to provide the level of scrutiny necessary to ensure value for money and catch out fraudsters".
Latest News
16/02/24Hundreds of new grammar school places needed in Kent by end of the decade
Hundreds of extra grammar school places will be needed in Kent by the end of the decade with the cost likely to “fall on the taxpayer”, it’s been warned.
08/01/24School absences: Boost sport to get pupils back in class - report
More sport in school and investment in youth clubs are needed to tackle the number of children regularly missing class, according to a new report.
07/12/23Ashford school to make students lock their phones in pouches
A school in Kent is planning to make students put their mobile phones in a locked pouch during the day. The John Wallis Academy in Ashford will introduce the measure in the new year. Principal Damian McBeath explained that he hoped the rule would limit disruptions in the school and help with safeguarding. Mr McBeath said he thought the academy would be the first school in Kent to use the pouches.
01/12/23Top Tips for Supply Teachers
Going into new schools can be daunting! We wanted to share some of our favourite top tips for supply teachers so you can be as prepared as possible and enjoy your supply day.
18/10/23Digital exams to be introduced within years - AQA
Pupils in England could sit some of their GCSE exams digitally within the next few years, under exam board proposals.