'Early warning signs' vital over troubled schools

Councils in England are calling for more powers to intervene when concerns are raised about schools in their area.

The Local Government Association (LGA) says authorities should be able to trigger Ofsted inspections and challenge governors.

David Simmonds, chairman of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, explained that these extra powers would allow local councillors to investigate "early warning signs" that things might be going wrong.

But Conservative MP Nick Gibb said that accountability comes from parental choice, not from local government officials wanting to re-establish their "control" over schools.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday 16 June.