23 October 2009

Mark Walker

Email:

Dear Mr Walker

Freedom of Information Request -

Thank you for your email which The Learning Trust received on the 9 October 2009 via Hackney Council. I acknowledge receipt of your request for information. I should firstly point out that The Learning Trust is not a “public authority” under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the Act”).

The Learning Trust is a private company limited by guarantee which carries out the majority of the functions of Hackney Council as a Local Education Authority under a Contract entered into pursuant to a Direction of the Secretary of State dated 31^st July 2002.

The Learning Trust was incorporated in May 2002 for the sole purpose of carrying out the functions transferred pursuant to that Direction from 1^st August 2002.  There is a power under Section 5 of the Act for the Secretary of State to designate a company such as The Learning Trust as a public authority but to date that power has not been exercised in respect of The Learning Trust.

Consequently, The Learning Trust is not bound by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. However as a body exercising public functions The Learning Trust is committed to doing so openly and transparently.  The Learning Trust has developed a policy which, so far as its constitution allows, complies with the provisions of the Act.

With regard to your request, The Learning Trust does not hold any information nor are aware of any complaints or investigations into BNP members working as teachers in Hackney Schools. You may wish to contact the schools directly as they are public bodies under the Act. A list of schools can be found on www.learningtrust.co.uk.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Breda Connolly

Trainee Solicitor and Information Officer

Legal Department

Your ref:

Our ref: FOI 217

Direct Dial: 020 8820 7382

Fax No: 020 8820 7234

E-mail: [email address]