The leading body representing the academy trust sector has warned the Department for Education (DfE) that it will not engage on new policy until there is “stability in government”.
In a statement shared with academy trust leader members this morning, the chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), Leora Cruddas, said that the organisation will continue to engage with the DfE only on policy that is “already in train”, such as the regulatory review and the Schools Bill.
She added that it will not engage on any new policy “except in exceptional circumstances”, until there is “stability in government and assurance of continuity”.
“We believe this is an important distinction in this period of transition. There should be no new education policy until a new prime minister is in place and has had the opportunity to appoint a ministerial team.”
The CST has played a major part in influencing government policy on academisation, with Ms Cruddas currently advising a recently announced review into how trusts will be held to account.
Her comments come after James Cleverly was announced as the new education secretary, following an unprecedented few days of turmoil in Westminster, as government ministers lined up to resign with the aim of pressuring the prime minister, Boris Johnson, to depart his post.
Mr Cleverly replaced Michelle Donelan, who resigned after only 36 hours in post.
He became the third politician to hold the post in as many days and inherited a department with four ministerial vacancies.
His appointment was confirmed by Downing Street after Mr Johnson announced his intention to stand down as leader of the Conservative Party.
The CST announcement follows headteachers’ leaders voicing concern about the turmoil in government.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, said yesterday he wished Mr Cleverly “every success”, but added that he hoped there would soon be “the clarity of a long-term secretary of state who can set out a clear plan that deals with the issues, and then stays long enough to see that plan through”.
Meanwhile, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said it was “frustrating that important government roles currently seem akin to political musical chairs”.
A DfE spokesperson said: “We remain committed to delivering against the ambitions and programmes set out in the Schools White Paper, on which we engaged extensively with the sector - including teacher training and development, supporting schools and trusts with excellence in the curriculum, behaviour and attendance, and working towards every school joining a strong academy trust by 2030.
“At all levels, the Department will continue to engage closely with unions and key sector stakeholders over the coming weeks as we provide continuity of government.”
