I have a copy of the letter from the Department of Education about the Birkenshaw “free” school. This is what it says about consultation:

“Proposers are required, by law, to consult with the appropriate persons before a new school can be set up. We fully expect local authorities to be an integral part of the consultation and for there to be a full and frank dialogue about this proposal, and any others that follow it, before the Secretary of State enters into a funding agreement with the Academy Trust.

The Secretary of State also has a duty, one which he takes very seriously, to consider carefully the impact that any new school will have on the local authority’s plans, the surrounding community and existing schools. Local Authorities are champions for the parents and children in their area, and as such the department will not be coming to any final decisions about a proposal without first taking very seriously the views that you have, and the contextual information that we will be looking to you (Kirklees LA) to provide.”

There are many local parents and school staff in the area who are very concerned about a school in Birkenshaw because it would take funding away from their schools and thus harm their children’s education. Their voice has to be heard.