How a Prime minister deals with a crisis sometimes seals their fate. Chamberlain did not survive the switch from phony war to Blitzkrieg, and Eden paid for the shambles of Suez with his job. How our current Prime Minister handles the next few weeks will seal his fate. I never thought I would be writing these lines, especially in a situation where the current government has such a large majority. But even a large majority cannot protect someone in Number 10 Downing Street if both the opposition and significant parts of his own Party want a change of leadership.
We haven’t reached that state yet. But, just looking at how the government has handled the school situation in England this week leaves me wondering, as a political opponent, how much more his own Party will take? Why was the list of key workers not available on Wednesday? What does the following mean:
‘If your school is closed then please contact your local authority, who will seek to redirect you to a local school in your area that your child, or children, can attend.’
How have local authorities been briefed to handle such requests from parents, and if they cannot, it is obvious where the blame will rest.
Fortunately it isn’t as bad for education as it is in some other industries. Who is going to offer accommodation to live-in workers in the hospitality industry summarily dismissed, such as the waiter interviewed on the today Programme this morning. Will local authorities be able to requisition hotels as hostels for the duration of the current crisis?
In 1939 the country managed a mass evacuation of children from our cities under a Conservative Government. Does the civil service have the mentality to handle arrangements on such a scale today? After decades of a philosophy of private choice rather than public good, it may need a rethink, and quickly.
As a Liberal I celebrate choice, and especially choice in my personal life, but I also recognise the need for fairness in society as a whole. So, looking at the quote from government, does this mean that either local authorities just wait to be informed which schools are open and pass on the message to parents or that they play an active role in managing the situation, for the fairness of all, especially in rural areas and where there are smaller schools? Does ‘seek to’ mean a permissive role or a ‘duty of care’?
Should we also be seeking to make use of these technologically savvy young sixth formers now excluded from school to help with the national voluntary effort, especially if it turns out that healthy young people are less likely to catch a debilitating version of the virus? Perhaps some can help with school-based childcare to relieve adults that have to go into isolation. But, any such scheme would need planning and that’s something modern governments in Britain have found difficult to do effectively.
John Howson 
An LA leader on Radio 4 PM yesterday (Southwark, I think), said he hoped government would liaise with them before making announcements. This would give them chance to mobilize their response rather than having it thrust upon them with no warning.
Successive governments have treated LAs with disdain – reducing funding, increasing statutory responsibilities without the necessary means and criticizing LAs for things beyond their control (eg exam results in academies). David Laws, in his books ‘Coalition’ and ‘Coalition Diaries’, said Gove had four pet hates. These included local authorities.
But LAs are essential in co-ordinating local responses. They can’t do it adequately without warning and without adequate means. LAs are likely, of course, be blamed for any shambles when the government advises people to call LAs for help and advice.
Janet,
Two of Gove’s blind spots were the understanding the importance of ‘place’ in education, especially primary schooling, and recognising the importance of ‘information’ and ‘data’ in intelligence. Like many in government that have never run anything, may be they lack the awareness of the importance of reverse communication. It is not just what you are telling others, but also what they are telling you.
When I taught leadership, many years ago, I placed great emphasis on knowing what others are saying and thinking by looking for the signals. I am sure there are no heads these days with the parking spot nearest the door and their office the first one after reception. If that is the case, then I am sure that they regularly walk around their schools. If not, they should read The Caine Mutiny.
John
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