Is it time to take the Local Eduction Authority behind the barn and shoot it dead?

Last night Councillors on the Shipley Area Committee of Bradford Council received a brief report entitled: "Review of Education Services Consultation". The committee members were asked two questions:

1. What are the factors currently delaying our aim of improving the educational outcomes that will prepare Bradford's children and young people for an active and prosperous life?

2. What changes are required to make a difference?

Is the change we require the abolition of the Local Education Authority? Would giving schools control over admissions, transport, educational psychology and the support of governors make for a more responsive system? And would this not also remove the classic school excuse - blame it on the Council?

Update: Mike Chitty's comment below links to a brilliant take on the issue from Alvin Toffler - thanks Mike

And another Update: Balls has "signalled an end to intervention" in Bradford - we can cock it up all by ourselves now!