Commentary on Sections and Schedules Education Action Zones Section 187 and Schedule 15: Education Action Zones
351.This section introduces Schedule 15 which amends provisions of the SSFA relating to EAZs. It adds to the schools that are eligible to participate in EAZs, to include nursery schools, PRUs and independent schools. These additional types of schools can only participate in EAZs with the consent of the Secretary of State.
352.The Schedule inserts a new section (11A) into the SSFA to give an EAF (the corporate governing body) a limited power to amend its governing instrument with the consent of the Secretary of State. EAZ schools and the Secretary of State will still retain the right to appoint members onto the EAF.
353.The Schedule inserts new sections (11B and 11C) into the SSFA to enable an EAF to add or remove a school from the EAZ, subject to the consent of both the Secretary of State and the governing body of that school.
354.The Schedule requires the EAF to notify the Secretary of State of any amendments made to its governing instrument. This Schedule also requires the EAF to provide any member of the public with specific current information about the EAF, particularly the names of the EAZ schools and partners and individuals on the EAF.
355.The Schedule amends section 12(1) of the SSFA, which defines the objects for which EAFs are established. An additional broader educational object is added to allow other educational activities to be carried out subject to the consent of the Secretary of State. This allows EAZs to link closely to other programmes such as those designed to improve nursery education or improve access to HE.
356.The Schedule ensures that amendments which have previously been made to the instruments which establish and govern EAZs and their EAFs are preserved. The section allows for an EAF to include one or two representatives of the Secretary of State unless she chooses not to make an appointment.