Conservative leader David Cameron has made an election centrepiece of plans to allow parents and other providers to set up schools with state funding.

David Cameron tells parents to "be your own boss".

Launching his party's manifesto, Mr Cameron has promised parents "the power to get a good new school in your community".

The manifesto also says all schools, including primaries, will be able to have the autonomy of academy status.

And there is a commitment that all pupils should read by the age of six.

Mr Cameron, setting out his policies for the election, invited voters to "be your own boss".

The Conservatives also promised to make this the most "family friendly country in Europe".

'Break down barriers'

In terms of education, the flagship policy is for "free schools", which will allow parents or other providers to set up their own schools, using public money.

The intention is to invigorate the school system by giving more choice to parents, particularly in areas where there are worries about the standards of local schools.

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