Developments in Local Services

Abstract

The work of the local education authority (LEA) is based upon the 1944 Education Act. Whilst the Act has had a significant impact on the shape of the English education service as it has developed since the war, considerable doubt must be cast on the extent to which the Act constrains the actions of LEAs. As the Layfield Committee on local government finance reported in 1976: ‘The duties to provide school places for children of five to sixteen years of age, to make mandatory awards to students and to charge for school meals obviously leaves little room for manoeuvre, but the broad uniformity in standards of education that exists throughout the country appears to be due at least as much to pressure by parents, professional influence and in adult education, direct demand, as to statutory requirements and departmental inspection.’