David Cameron says 'All schools should become Academies'

David Cameron says every school in England should become an Academy because Academies have improved standards and power should be in the hands of head teachers and teachers. Academies are independent, state-funded schools that operate outside of Local Authority control.

Liz Smith, Education Advisor at Watkins Solicitors, does not agree that this is a vision that will work well for children with SEN and disabilities. In Academies parents have very limited direct legal rights and in a world where the provision of education for those children and young people with SEN and disabilities is governed by complex legislation, Academies become a bit of a mine-field for those parents who need their rights to be crystal clear and enforceable.