Louise Bagshawe supports parental choice in the Academies Bill debate in Parliament
20th July 2010
Yesterday, during the Second Reading of the Academies Bill in the House of Commons, Louise spoke in support of a group of local parents with children with learning disabilities, who are concerned about the extent of educational choice currently available.
Louise highlighted the benefits the creation of a free school could offer these children on the autistic spectrum:
Ms Bagshawe: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for giving way. What would be his reply to the group of parents in my Corby constituency with children on the autistic spectrum who have written asking for my advice on how to apply for a free school? How would he reply to the National Autistic Society, which has broadly welcomed the Academies Bill, because of how it will raise standards for children with special needs?
Ed Balls: I would say that they should be very fearful indeed. The reality is that we are on a fast track to treat as second class the majority of children with special educational needs who will find their funding cut and their opportunities reduced by this legislation. They should be very careful.
After the debate, Louise said,
“I was delighted to have this opportunity to intervene in this debate on such an important piece of legislation to highlight the very real benefits it will bring for the children and schools of Corby. I am a firm believer in parental choice and I am very much looking forward to doing all I can to offer advice and help to any local parents with viable proposals for new free schools.”