The need for a strategic ‘middle tier' to oversee academy, free and locally maintained schools is ever more urgent, amid a looming 'baby boom' crisis on school places, a survey of children's services chiefs has revealed.

Research carried out by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) for the National Union of Teachers (NUT) finds strong agreement on the need for greater clarity on the role of local government in managing school places.

Entitled 'Standing room only - have we enough places?' the report  - which will be discussed at a series of party conference fringes - questioned 95 directors of children's services and lead members for children's services.