Local authorities, special needs, and the status quo

Abstract

Gary Thomas is concerned about local educational authority (LEA) involvement in the development of special education. He argues that the LEA position evolved largely due to historical circumstances and serves only to reinforce distinctions among children. He advances four points to support the thesis that special provision should be removed forever from local authority control. While acknowledging that it might have residual responsibility for a general oversight of provision, the LEA should withdraw from direct involvement in this field. Thomas draws analogies with other organisations who have benefited from such a dispersal of responsibility and function.These arguments will generate some heat. The benevolent interest of the LEA has been with us for so long it is difficult to envisage a world without it. However, we have been moving in this direction for some time and Thomas brings a clarity of thinking to the discussion. There is, of course, the ‘domino effect’. For example, if this is sustainable what becomes of our support services? Can we really trust all schools to make the right decisions? Readers will, no doubt be forming their own opinions.