Education and Inspections Bill

Amendment No. 58 seeks to ensure that the time for promoters for submit proposals should be reasonable. We agree, but I am glad to say that in fact the regulations concerning this provision, which I have now circulated, lay down that the period must be at least four months. As those regulations will be in place, that will be an absolute requirement. I hope that the noble Baroness, Lady Sharp, and other noble Lords will agree that four months is a reasonable period, including for community groups that may take longer to put proposals together. On Amendments Nos. 59, 61, 121A, 125A and 182, we agree that there need to be appropriate safeguards against unsuitable partners being involved in the running of schools. That is why we have a proper process in place for governing bodies to publish proposals in respect of trusts and to take decisions in relation to them. As the noble Baroness, Lady Buscombe, recognised, substantial guidance is being made available to schools on this, which I think meets the points raised by the noble Baronesses, Lady Sharp and Lady Williams. I have circulated the draft guidance to the Committee. I quote from page 128 of it: "““In determining the suitability and appropriateness of a particular Trust, a governing body should therefore:""““Consider whether and how the acquisition of the particular Trust will support the school in raising standards, improving the quality of teaching and learning and improving delivery of the five ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes for all children;""““Consider how the Trust fits with the school’s character and ethos and how it will develop the culture of the school further;""““Consider what perspectives, experience and skills the Trust will bring to support the school’s mission;""““Consider the potential impact of the partnership on other schools in the locality and on any other organisations or bodies likely to be affected;""““Take into account the local authority’s and parents’ view of the potential Trust and the nature of the partnership with the school;""““Take into account the Trust’s previous track record of involvement in schools and education more generally, as well as the experience and expertise of the proposed Trustees;""““Consider whether particular Trusts should be considered unsuitable on the grounds of inappropriateness—for example, ensure that Trust partners are not involved in activities that may be considered inappropriate for children and young people (for example, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, alcohol etc.)””. " I believe that that meets the points raised in that regard.