The new action plan drawn up in response to Ofsted's damning indictment of Bradford's education service should be widely welcomed.

It sets out two key changes in policy which will have an impact on every child in every school in the district - namely that financing will be brought up to at least national recommended standards and that the LEA will not interfere with schools that are performing well.

It has been a major concern to schools for many years that they are not simply left to get on with the job. The new partnership approach outlined will therefore be a big step in the right direction.

The fact is, the majority of front-line professionals are there because they love teaching. They are committed and dedicated to their jobs and want the children and their schools to succeed.

As long as effective controls are in place to weed out under-achievers and poor performers, there is no reason why teachers should not be left, without interference, to do what they're employed to do: guide our children through the National Curriculum to achieve at least the basic national standard in their education.

As the Action Plan points out, they also need clearer direction. That means being given every help to closely pursue national standards without the incessant torment of paperwork and form-filling and regular changes in policy and guidance as recommended by one body or another.

Given the opportunity to concentrate on what they are best at, there is every reason to hope for a dramatic improvement in standards across Bradford's schools.