A REDBRIDGE councillor wants the authority to advise schools in the borough against applying for academy status.

Since the Government encouraged applications from schools for academy status earlier this year, only two schools in the borough have shown an interest.

On September 6 Chadwell Heath Foundation School pupils returned from their summer holiday to the new Chadwell Heath Academy.

Valentines High School in Ilford has also shown an interest in becoming an academy, which gives schools more power over how they are run, according to the Government.

Elaine Norman, Labour councillor for Newbury, has tabled a motion which will go before councillors tonight at a full council meeting at Ilford Town Hall.

The motion reads: "This council notes that some Redbridge schools have expressed an interest in becoming academies under the Academies Act 2010 and believes that this raises serious issues of concern."

Cllr Norman's concerns relate to the removal of local education authority control, the freedom to adapt the national curriculum, the freedom to vary pay and working conditions, safeguards for special education needs provision and a lack of clarity concerning admissions.

The motion continues: "The council resolves to advise schools that it is not in the interests of the children of Redbridge as a whole for them to apply for academy status."