Fresh hint of minister's backing for local control of Scotland's schools

MIKE Russell has given a further signal that he is ready to revolutionise the way schools are run in Scotland by shifting control away from councils to local communities.

The education secretary has agreed to be a keynote speaker at an event organised by East Lothian Council to explain the concept of community-based management of schools.

The Scotsman revealed last year that East Lothian was looking at reducing central control and allowing "clusters" of schools to take spending decisions. Initially, the Scottish Government was lukewarm about the idea, despite the fact that East Lothian is run by an SNP and Liberal Democrat coalition led by Nationalist councillor, Dave Berry.

But when Mr Russell succeeded Fiona Hyslop there was a shift. He will speak about "Providing Space for Innovation" at Queen Margaret University on 22 April.

Cllr Berry will also speak at the event. Don Ledingham, East Lothian's executive director of Education and Children's Services, will give a talk on Community-based Management of Schools (CBMS) and "the challenges presented by local autonomy".

East Lothian Council said it did not want to comment ahead of the conference – but in an invitation sent out to delegates, Mr Ledingham wrote: "Following the conference, we will be establishing a working group made up of a range of representatives to further explore and consider the concept of CBMS with a view to taking a report to the education committee in December."

East Lothian headteachers and parent councils have been invited to attend, as well as councillors, trade unions, community councils, the Scottish Government and other local authorities.

Pat Watters, president of the local authority umbrella body Cosla, said: "How local authorities organise their education system is a matter for local authorities. But obviously people will watch what happens in East Lothian with interest."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Mr Russell has made it clear that he wants to have a debate about education in Scotland. He is open to considering proposals."