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1658891
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-06more like thismore than 2023-09-06
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Schools: Buildings more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential risks of schools in England that have been built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
star this property uin HL9957 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-19more like thismore than 2023-09-19
unstar this property answer text <p>Nothing is more important than the safety of children and staff. It has always been the case that where we are made aware of a building that may pose an immediate risk, the Department takes immediate action.</p><p>It is the responsibility of those who run schools – academy trusts, Local Authorities, and voluntary-aided school bodies – who work with their schools on a day-to-day basis, to manage the safety and maintenance of their schools and to alert us if there is a concern with a building.</p><p>The Department has acted decisively and proactively to tackle this issue. This Government has taken more proactive action on RAAC than any other in the UK. The Department issued comprehensive guidance in 2018, and subsequent years, to all responsible bodies highlighting the potential risks associated with RAAC and supporting them to identify this within their buildings, as well as to take appropriate steps in meeting their obligations to keep buildings safe. The most recent guidance is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance</a>.</p><p>There are over 22,000 schools and colleges in England, and the vast majority are unaffected. A significant proportion of the estate was built outside the period where RAAC was used, with around one third of the estate built since 2001, therefore, the Department has focused efforts on buildings built in the post-war decades.</p><p>The Department issued a questionnaire in March 2022, asking responsible bodies to inform the Department of any suspected RAAC identified in their estates. Responsible bodies have submitted questionnaires for over 98% of schools with blocks built in the target era, of which there are 14,900. We are pressing all remaining schools to get checks completed, to determine which schools require surveys.</p><p>The Department is contacting responsible bodies to help them respond to this request and to advise on what needs to be done, so that they can establish whether they believe they have RAAC. This work will continue until we have a response for all target era schools.</p><p>Schools and colleges where RAAC is suspected are being fast tracked for surveying, which is used to confirm whether RAAC is actually present. All schools and colleges that have already told us they suspect they might have RAAC will be surveyed within a matter of weeks, in many cases in a matter of days.</p><p>All schools where RAAC is confirmed are provided with a dedicated caseworker to support them and help implement a mitigation plan and minimise the disruption to children’s learning.</p><p>Across Government, Departments have been asked to report on the current picture of suspected and confirmed RAAC in their estates as soon as possible. This will be updated on a regular basis as new buildings are identified and surveying and remediation are carried out. The Department for Education published lists of education settings confirmed as having RAAC on Wednesday 6 September, and committed to providing further updates.</p><p>Schools will contact parents where RAAC is identified and inform them of any impacts on their child. The vast majority of schools are unaffected. Any parents that are unsure if their child’s school is affected should contact their school directly.</p><p>While some short term disruption is inevitable, all available measures will be taken to minimise disruption to pupil learning and ensure that pupils continue to receive face-to-face teaching. Where there is any disturbance to face-to-face education, schools will prioritise attendance for vulnerable children and young people and children of key workers. The guidance published by the Department in August also includes guidance on provision for pupils with SEND and sets out expectations that schools continue to provide free school meals to eligible pupils.</p><p>The Department will fund emergency mitigation work needed to make buildings safe, including installing alternative classroom space where necessary. Where schools and colleges need additional help with revenue costs, like transport to locations or temporarily renting a local hall or office, the department will provide that support for all reasonable requests. The Department will also fund longer term refurbishment projects, or rebuilding projects where these are needed, to rectify the RAAC issue in the long term.</p><p>All previously confirmed School Rebuilding Programme projects announced in 2021 and 2022 will continue to go ahead. A full list of confirmed projects can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme-schools-in-the-programme" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme-schools-in-the-programme</a>.</p><p>Further information on RAAC in education settings is available on the Education Hub: <a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/06/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/" target="_blank">https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/06/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/</a><a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/" target="_blank">.</a></p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property grouped question UIN HL9996 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-19T11:36:06.557Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-19T11:36:06.557Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
1796
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick more like this
1659242
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Education: Parents more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government how many parents of children under four years of age are in full time education or training. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Browne of Ladyton more like this
star this property uin HL9977 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-21more like thismore than 2023-09-21
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold the data on the number of parents of children under four years of age that are in full time education or training.</p><p>In the Spring Budget 2023, the government announced a number of transformative reforms to childcare for parents, children and the economy. By 2027/28, the government will expect to be spending in excess of £8 billion every year on free hours and early education, helping working families with their childcare costs. This represents the single biggest investment in childcare in England ever.</p><p>The announcement included the expansion of the 30 hours free childcare offer, through which eligible working parents in England will be able to access 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks per year from when their child is 9 months old to when they start school. The key objective of this measure is to support parental participation in the labour market, which is why the offer is conditional on work.</p><p>All students, who work in addition to their studies and earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at national minimum/living wage, and under £100,000 adjusted net income per year, will be eligible for this offer. If they are unable to meet this threshold, they will remain eligible for the universal 15 hours of free early education, which is available to all 3- and 4-year-olds regardless of family circumstances.</p><p>The department recognises the value of parents continuing in education and provides a range of support for students in further or higher education (HE) to support them with childcare.</p><p>Eligible undergraduate students attending full-time HE courses qualify for fee loans to meet the full costs of their tuition and partially means-tested loans as a contribution towards their living costs.</p><p>Additional support is provided for full-time students with dependent children. This support includes the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance which are based on a student’s household income.</p><p>The Childcare Grant is available for parents in HE undertaking a full-time undergraduate course and is paid to help with weekly childcare costs. The amount of childcare grant payable in 2023/24 will be based on 85% of actual childcare costs, subject to a maximum grant of £188.90 per week for one child only or £323.85 per week for two or more children. The Parents’ Learning Allowance is for full-time undergraduate students with one or more dependent children. For the 2023/24 academic year, students could receive up to £1,915 a year depending on household income. Students whose household incomes are £39,796 or less qualify for the full Childcare Grant and Parents Learning Allowance applied for.</p><p>In addition to the standard student support package set out above, eligible nursing, midwifery and allied health profession students receive a non-repayable training grant of a minimum of £5,000 per academic year. Eligible students with child dependants can also access a further £2,000 per academic year.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property grouped question UIN HL9978 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-21T16:14:08.18Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-21T16:14:08.18Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
620
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Browne of Ladyton more like this
1659243
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Childcare: Costs more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the cost of providing 30 hours of free childcare each week to children aged between 9 months and 4 years, with one or both parents in full-time education or training. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Browne of Ladyton more like this
star this property uin HL9978 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-21more like thismore than 2023-09-21
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold the data on the number of parents of children under four years of age that are in full time education or training.</p><p>In the Spring Budget 2023, the government announced a number of transformative reforms to childcare for parents, children and the economy. By 2027/28, the government will expect to be spending in excess of £8 billion every year on free hours and early education, helping working families with their childcare costs. This represents the single biggest investment in childcare in England ever.</p><p>The announcement included the expansion of the 30 hours free childcare offer, through which eligible working parents in England will be able to access 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks per year from when their child is 9 months old to when they start school. The key objective of this measure is to support parental participation in the labour market, which is why the offer is conditional on work.</p><p>All students, who work in addition to their studies and earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at national minimum/living wage, and under £100,000 adjusted net income per year, will be eligible for this offer. If they are unable to meet this threshold, they will remain eligible for the universal 15 hours of free early education, which is available to all 3- and 4-year-olds regardless of family circumstances.</p><p>The department recognises the value of parents continuing in education and provides a range of support for students in further or higher education (HE) to support them with childcare.</p><p>Eligible undergraduate students attending full-time HE courses qualify for fee loans to meet the full costs of their tuition and partially means-tested loans as a contribution towards their living costs.</p><p>Additional support is provided for full-time students with dependent children. This support includes the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance which are based on a student’s household income.</p><p>The Childcare Grant is available for parents in HE undertaking a full-time undergraduate course and is paid to help with weekly childcare costs. The amount of childcare grant payable in 2023/24 will be based on 85% of actual childcare costs, subject to a maximum grant of £188.90 per week for one child only or £323.85 per week for two or more children. The Parents’ Learning Allowance is for full-time undergraduate students with one or more dependent children. For the 2023/24 academic year, students could receive up to £1,915 a year depending on household income. Students whose household incomes are £39,796 or less qualify for the full Childcare Grant and Parents Learning Allowance applied for.</p><p>In addition to the standard student support package set out above, eligible nursing, midwifery and allied health profession students receive a non-repayable training grant of a minimum of £5,000 per academic year. Eligible students with child dependants can also access a further £2,000 per academic year.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property grouped question UIN HL9977 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-21T16:14:08.227Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-21T16:14:08.227Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
620
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Browne of Ladyton more like this
1659231
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Out-of-School Education more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government what are the (1) mean, and (2) median, amounts spent by a school or local authority on an unregistered alternative provider place in England for (a) pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, (b) pupils classified as a Child In Need, (c) Pupil Premium Pupils, and (d) pupils excluded from school. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Baroness Blower more like this
star this property uin HL9966 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-25more like thismore than 2023-09-25
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold information about the mean and median amounts spent by a school or local authority on an unregistered alternative provider place in England for (a) pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, (b) pupils classified as a Child In Need, (c) Pupil Premium Pupils, and (d) pupils excluded from school. Commissioning arrangements are managed directly by schools and local authorities who require the provision, and they do not report their expenditure at the level of detail requested.</p><p>The department also does not routinely collect data on the number of safeguarding concerns that have taken place in unregistered APs. Commissioners are responsible for the AP they use and ensuring that it is safe.</p><p>The Alternative Provision (AP) statutory guidance is clear that AP, including unregistered AP, should be good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks. The guidance can be found in the attached document. Responsibility for the AP used rests with the commissioner. The nature of the intervention, its objectives and the timeline to achieve these objectives should be agreed and clearly defined.</p><p>Some local authorities or partnerships of schools have developed a local directory of ‘approved’ provision, which meets clearly defined standards, including registration where necessary, safeguarding, health and safety, quality of accommodation, quality of education etc. These lists, where they exist, can provide a helpful starting point. However, prior to placement, commissioners should still assess whether the provision offers high quality education and is suitable for the pupil’s individual needs.</p><p>‘Keeping children safe in education’ is statutory guidance to which all schools and colleges must have regard when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and can be found in the attached document. The guidance states that where a school places a pupil in AP, the school continues to be responsible for the safeguarding of that pupil and should be satisfied that the provider meets the needs of the pupil. Schools should obtain written confirmation from the AP that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on individuals working at the establishment, for example, those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff.</p><p>Ofsted does not inspect individual unregistered AP settings unless they are part of a criminal investigation where there are concerns that the provider may be operating illegally as an independent school. Any provider of AP must be registered as an independent school if it caters full time for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or one pupil who is looked after or has an education, health and care plan. Under Section 97 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the Unregistered Schools Team does not inspect the quality of the provision or the safeguarding arrangements.</p><p>The School Inspection Handbook states that during school inspections, inspectors will evaluate how well a school continues to take responsibility for its pupils who attend AP, including in unregistered AP. The Handbook can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023</a>. Inspectors will normally visit a sample of any part-time unregistered AP during the inspection. This is to assess the adequacy of the school’s quality assurance process. A school is likely to be judged inadequate for leadership and management if it is making ineffective or inappropriate use of AP, failing to ensure the suitability of a provision, being unaware of the number of their pupils attending AP or not taking responsibility for their pupils who attend AP.</p><p>From January 2023, Ofsted is inspecting the local authority commissioning of AP as part of Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspections. The Area SEND inspection Handbook states that in doing so inspectors will consider whether the local authority’s use of unregistered and online provision is lawful and appropriate to children and young people’s needs. The Handbook can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook</a>.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property attachment
1
star this property file name HL9966 et al_alternative_provision_statutory_guidance_accessible.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_AP_guidance more like this
2
star this property file name HL9966 et al _Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2023.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_Keeping_children_Safe_guidance more like this
star this property grouped question UIN
HL9967 more like this
HL9968 more like this
HL9969 more like this
HL9970 more like this
HL9971 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.45Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.45Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
4724
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Blower more like this
1659232
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Out-of-School Education more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government how many safeguarding concerns have been recorded regarding unregistered alternative providers in England. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Baroness Blower more like this
star this property uin HL9967 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-25more like thismore than 2023-09-25
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold information about the mean and median amounts spent by a school or local authority on an unregistered alternative provider place in England for (a) pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, (b) pupils classified as a Child In Need, (c) Pupil Premium Pupils, and (d) pupils excluded from school. Commissioning arrangements are managed directly by schools and local authorities who require the provision, and they do not report their expenditure at the level of detail requested.</p><p>The department also does not routinely collect data on the number of safeguarding concerns that have taken place in unregistered APs. Commissioners are responsible for the AP they use and ensuring that it is safe.</p><p>The Alternative Provision (AP) statutory guidance is clear that AP, including unregistered AP, should be good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks. The guidance can be found in the attached document. Responsibility for the AP used rests with the commissioner. The nature of the intervention, its objectives and the timeline to achieve these objectives should be agreed and clearly defined.</p><p>Some local authorities or partnerships of schools have developed a local directory of ‘approved’ provision, which meets clearly defined standards, including registration where necessary, safeguarding, health and safety, quality of accommodation, quality of education etc. These lists, where they exist, can provide a helpful starting point. However, prior to placement, commissioners should still assess whether the provision offers high quality education and is suitable for the pupil’s individual needs.</p><p>‘Keeping children safe in education’ is statutory guidance to which all schools and colleges must have regard when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and can be found in the attached document. The guidance states that where a school places a pupil in AP, the school continues to be responsible for the safeguarding of that pupil and should be satisfied that the provider meets the needs of the pupil. Schools should obtain written confirmation from the AP that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on individuals working at the establishment, for example, those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff.</p><p>Ofsted does not inspect individual unregistered AP settings unless they are part of a criminal investigation where there are concerns that the provider may be operating illegally as an independent school. Any provider of AP must be registered as an independent school if it caters full time for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or one pupil who is looked after or has an education, health and care plan. Under Section 97 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the Unregistered Schools Team does not inspect the quality of the provision or the safeguarding arrangements.</p><p>The School Inspection Handbook states that during school inspections, inspectors will evaluate how well a school continues to take responsibility for its pupils who attend AP, including in unregistered AP. The Handbook can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023</a>. Inspectors will normally visit a sample of any part-time unregistered AP during the inspection. This is to assess the adequacy of the school’s quality assurance process. A school is likely to be judged inadequate for leadership and management if it is making ineffective or inappropriate use of AP, failing to ensure the suitability of a provision, being unaware of the number of their pupils attending AP or not taking responsibility for their pupils who attend AP.</p><p>From January 2023, Ofsted is inspecting the local authority commissioning of AP as part of Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspections. The Area SEND inspection Handbook states that in doing so inspectors will consider whether the local authority’s use of unregistered and online provision is lawful and appropriate to children and young people’s needs. The Handbook can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook</a>.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property attachment
1
star this property file name HL9966 et al_alternative_provision_statutory_guidance_accessible.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_AP_guidance more like this
2
star this property file name HL9966 et al _Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2023.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_Keeping_children_Safe_guidance more like this
star this property grouped question UIN
HL9966 more like this
HL9968 more like this
HL9969 more like this
HL9970 more like this
HL9971 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.497Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.497Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
4724
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Blower more like this
1659233
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Out-of-School Education more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government whether there are any minimum standards for an unregistered alternative provider which provides education placements for school-aged pupils to operate in England. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Baroness Blower more like this
star this property uin HL9968 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-25more like thismore than 2023-09-25
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold information about the mean and median amounts spent by a school or local authority on an unregistered alternative provider place in England for (a) pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, (b) pupils classified as a Child In Need, (c) Pupil Premium Pupils, and (d) pupils excluded from school. Commissioning arrangements are managed directly by schools and local authorities who require the provision, and they do not report their expenditure at the level of detail requested.</p><p>The department also does not routinely collect data on the number of safeguarding concerns that have taken place in unregistered APs. Commissioners are responsible for the AP they use and ensuring that it is safe.</p><p>The Alternative Provision (AP) statutory guidance is clear that AP, including unregistered AP, should be good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks. The guidance can be found in the attached document. Responsibility for the AP used rests with the commissioner. The nature of the intervention, its objectives and the timeline to achieve these objectives should be agreed and clearly defined.</p><p>Some local authorities or partnerships of schools have developed a local directory of ‘approved’ provision, which meets clearly defined standards, including registration where necessary, safeguarding, health and safety, quality of accommodation, quality of education etc. These lists, where they exist, can provide a helpful starting point. However, prior to placement, commissioners should still assess whether the provision offers high quality education and is suitable for the pupil’s individual needs.</p><p>‘Keeping children safe in education’ is statutory guidance to which all schools and colleges must have regard when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and can be found in the attached document. The guidance states that where a school places a pupil in AP, the school continues to be responsible for the safeguarding of that pupil and should be satisfied that the provider meets the needs of the pupil. Schools should obtain written confirmation from the AP that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on individuals working at the establishment, for example, those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff.</p><p>Ofsted does not inspect individual unregistered AP settings unless they are part of a criminal investigation where there are concerns that the provider may be operating illegally as an independent school. Any provider of AP must be registered as an independent school if it caters full time for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or one pupil who is looked after or has an education, health and care plan. Under Section 97 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the Unregistered Schools Team does not inspect the quality of the provision or the safeguarding arrangements.</p><p>The School Inspection Handbook states that during school inspections, inspectors will evaluate how well a school continues to take responsibility for its pupils who attend AP, including in unregistered AP. The Handbook can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023</a>. Inspectors will normally visit a sample of any part-time unregistered AP during the inspection. This is to assess the adequacy of the school’s quality assurance process. A school is likely to be judged inadequate for leadership and management if it is making ineffective or inappropriate use of AP, failing to ensure the suitability of a provision, being unaware of the number of their pupils attending AP or not taking responsibility for their pupils who attend AP.</p><p>From January 2023, Ofsted is inspecting the local authority commissioning of AP as part of Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspections. The Area SEND inspection Handbook states that in doing so inspectors will consider whether the local authority’s use of unregistered and online provision is lawful and appropriate to children and young people’s needs. The Handbook can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook</a>.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property attachment
1
star this property file name HL9966 et al_alternative_provision_statutory_guidance_accessible.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_AP_guidance more like this
2
star this property file name HL9966 et al _Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2023.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_Keeping_children_Safe_guidance more like this
star this property grouped question UIN
HL9966 more like this
HL9967 more like this
HL9969 more like this
HL9970 more like this
HL9971 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.547Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.547Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
4724
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Blower more like this
1659234
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Out-of-School Education more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government whether there are any safeguarding checks or requirements for an unregistered alternative provider that provides education placements for school-aged pupils in England. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Baroness Blower more like this
star this property uin HL9969 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-25more like thismore than 2023-09-25
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold information about the mean and median amounts spent by a school or local authority on an unregistered alternative provider place in England for (a) pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, (b) pupils classified as a Child In Need, (c) Pupil Premium Pupils, and (d) pupils excluded from school. Commissioning arrangements are managed directly by schools and local authorities who require the provision, and they do not report their expenditure at the level of detail requested.</p><p>The department also does not routinely collect data on the number of safeguarding concerns that have taken place in unregistered APs. Commissioners are responsible for the AP they use and ensuring that it is safe.</p><p>The Alternative Provision (AP) statutory guidance is clear that AP, including unregistered AP, should be good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks. The guidance can be found in the attached document. Responsibility for the AP used rests with the commissioner. The nature of the intervention, its objectives and the timeline to achieve these objectives should be agreed and clearly defined.</p><p>Some local authorities or partnerships of schools have developed a local directory of ‘approved’ provision, which meets clearly defined standards, including registration where necessary, safeguarding, health and safety, quality of accommodation, quality of education etc. These lists, where they exist, can provide a helpful starting point. However, prior to placement, commissioners should still assess whether the provision offers high quality education and is suitable for the pupil’s individual needs.</p><p>‘Keeping children safe in education’ is statutory guidance to which all schools and colleges must have regard when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and can be found in the attached document. The guidance states that where a school places a pupil in AP, the school continues to be responsible for the safeguarding of that pupil and should be satisfied that the provider meets the needs of the pupil. Schools should obtain written confirmation from the AP that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on individuals working at the establishment, for example, those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff.</p><p>Ofsted does not inspect individual unregistered AP settings unless they are part of a criminal investigation where there are concerns that the provider may be operating illegally as an independent school. Any provider of AP must be registered as an independent school if it caters full time for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or one pupil who is looked after or has an education, health and care plan. Under Section 97 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the Unregistered Schools Team does not inspect the quality of the provision or the safeguarding arrangements.</p><p>The School Inspection Handbook states that during school inspections, inspectors will evaluate how well a school continues to take responsibility for its pupils who attend AP, including in unregistered AP. The Handbook can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023</a>. Inspectors will normally visit a sample of any part-time unregistered AP during the inspection. This is to assess the adequacy of the school’s quality assurance process. A school is likely to be judged inadequate for leadership and management if it is making ineffective or inappropriate use of AP, failing to ensure the suitability of a provision, being unaware of the number of their pupils attending AP or not taking responsibility for their pupils who attend AP.</p><p>From January 2023, Ofsted is inspecting the local authority commissioning of AP as part of Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspections. The Area SEND inspection Handbook states that in doing so inspectors will consider whether the local authority’s use of unregistered and online provision is lawful and appropriate to children and young people’s needs. The Handbook can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook</a>.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property attachment
1
star this property file name HL9966 et al_alternative_provision_statutory_guidance_accessible.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_AP_guidance more like this
2
star this property file name HL9966 et al _Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2023.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_Keeping_children_Safe_guidance more like this
star this property grouped question UIN
HL9966 more like this
HL9967 more like this
HL9968 more like this
HL9970 more like this
HL9971 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.747Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.747Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
4724
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Blower more like this
1659235
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Out-of-School Education more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government how often Ofsted inspect unregistered alternative providers that provides education placements for school-aged pupils in England. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Baroness Blower more like this
star this property uin HL9970 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-25more like thismore than 2023-09-25
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold information about the mean and median amounts spent by a school or local authority on an unregistered alternative provider place in England for (a) pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, (b) pupils classified as a Child In Need, (c) Pupil Premium Pupils, and (d) pupils excluded from school. Commissioning arrangements are managed directly by schools and local authorities who require the provision, and they do not report their expenditure at the level of detail requested.</p><p>The department also does not routinely collect data on the number of safeguarding concerns that have taken place in unregistered APs. Commissioners are responsible for the AP they use and ensuring that it is safe.</p><p>The Alternative Provision (AP) statutory guidance is clear that AP, including unregistered AP, should be good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks. The guidance can be found in the attached document. Responsibility for the AP used rests with the commissioner. The nature of the intervention, its objectives and the timeline to achieve these objectives should be agreed and clearly defined.</p><p>Some local authorities or partnerships of schools have developed a local directory of ‘approved’ provision, which meets clearly defined standards, including registration where necessary, safeguarding, health and safety, quality of accommodation, quality of education etc. These lists, where they exist, can provide a helpful starting point. However, prior to placement, commissioners should still assess whether the provision offers high quality education and is suitable for the pupil’s individual needs.</p><p>‘Keeping children safe in education’ is statutory guidance to which all schools and colleges must have regard when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and can be found in the attached document. The guidance states that where a school places a pupil in AP, the school continues to be responsible for the safeguarding of that pupil and should be satisfied that the provider meets the needs of the pupil. Schools should obtain written confirmation from the AP that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on individuals working at the establishment, for example, those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff.</p><p>Ofsted does not inspect individual unregistered AP settings unless they are part of a criminal investigation where there are concerns that the provider may be operating illegally as an independent school. Any provider of AP must be registered as an independent school if it caters full time for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or one pupil who is looked after or has an education, health and care plan. Under Section 97 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the Unregistered Schools Team does not inspect the quality of the provision or the safeguarding arrangements.</p><p>The School Inspection Handbook states that during school inspections, inspectors will evaluate how well a school continues to take responsibility for its pupils who attend AP, including in unregistered AP. The Handbook can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023</a>. Inspectors will normally visit a sample of any part-time unregistered AP during the inspection. This is to assess the adequacy of the school’s quality assurance process. A school is likely to be judged inadequate for leadership and management if it is making ineffective or inappropriate use of AP, failing to ensure the suitability of a provision, being unaware of the number of their pupils attending AP or not taking responsibility for their pupils who attend AP.</p><p>From January 2023, Ofsted is inspecting the local authority commissioning of AP as part of Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspections. The Area SEND inspection Handbook states that in doing so inspectors will consider whether the local authority’s use of unregistered and online provision is lawful and appropriate to children and young people’s needs. The Handbook can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook</a>.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property attachment
1
star this property file name HL9966 et al_alternative_provision_statutory_guidance_accessible.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_AP_guidance more like this
2
star this property file name HL9966 et al _Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2023.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_Keeping_children_Safe_guidance more like this
star this property grouped question UIN
HL9966 more like this
HL9967 more like this
HL9968 more like this
HL9969 more like this
HL9971 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.793Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.793Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
4724
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Blower more like this
1659236
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Out-of-School Education more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government whether schools or local authorities that commission unregistered alternative providers require checks on the proprietor and staff before placing pupils in their care. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Baroness Blower more like this
star this property uin HL9971 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-25more like thismore than 2023-09-25
unstar this property answer text <p>The department does not hold information about the mean and median amounts spent by a school or local authority on an unregistered alternative provider place in England for (a) pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, (b) pupils classified as a Child In Need, (c) Pupil Premium Pupils, and (d) pupils excluded from school. Commissioning arrangements are managed directly by schools and local authorities who require the provision, and they do not report their expenditure at the level of detail requested.</p><p>The department also does not routinely collect data on the number of safeguarding concerns that have taken place in unregistered APs. Commissioners are responsible for the AP they use and ensuring that it is safe.</p><p>The Alternative Provision (AP) statutory guidance is clear that AP, including unregistered AP, should be good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks. The guidance can be found in the attached document. Responsibility for the AP used rests with the commissioner. The nature of the intervention, its objectives and the timeline to achieve these objectives should be agreed and clearly defined.</p><p>Some local authorities or partnerships of schools have developed a local directory of ‘approved’ provision, which meets clearly defined standards, including registration where necessary, safeguarding, health and safety, quality of accommodation, quality of education etc. These lists, where they exist, can provide a helpful starting point. However, prior to placement, commissioners should still assess whether the provision offers high quality education and is suitable for the pupil’s individual needs.</p><p>‘Keeping children safe in education’ is statutory guidance to which all schools and colleges must have regard when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and can be found in the attached document. The guidance states that where a school places a pupil in AP, the school continues to be responsible for the safeguarding of that pupil and should be satisfied that the provider meets the needs of the pupil. Schools should obtain written confirmation from the AP that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on individuals working at the establishment, for example, those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff.</p><p>Ofsted does not inspect individual unregistered AP settings unless they are part of a criminal investigation where there are concerns that the provider may be operating illegally as an independent school. Any provider of AP must be registered as an independent school if it caters full time for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or one pupil who is looked after or has an education, health and care plan. Under Section 97 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the Unregistered Schools Team does not inspect the quality of the provision or the safeguarding arrangements.</p><p>The School Inspection Handbook states that during school inspections, inspectors will evaluate how well a school continues to take responsibility for its pupils who attend AP, including in unregistered AP. The Handbook can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023</a>. Inspectors will normally visit a sample of any part-time unregistered AP during the inspection. This is to assess the adequacy of the school’s quality assurance process. A school is likely to be judged inadequate for leadership and management if it is making ineffective or inappropriate use of AP, failing to ensure the suitability of a provision, being unaware of the number of their pupils attending AP or not taking responsibility for their pupils who attend AP.</p><p>From January 2023, Ofsted is inspecting the local authority commissioning of AP as part of Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspections. The Area SEND inspection Handbook states that in doing so inspectors will consider whether the local authority’s use of unregistered and online provision is lawful and appropriate to children and young people’s needs. The Handbook can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/area-send-framework-and-handbook/area-send-inspections-framework-and-handbook</a>.</p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property attachment
1
star this property file name HL9966 et al_alternative_provision_statutory_guidance_accessible.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_AP_guidance more like this
2
star this property file name HL9966 et al _Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2023.pdf more like this
star this property title HL9966_Keeping_children_Safe_guidance more like this
star this property grouped question UIN
HL9966 more like this
HL9967 more like this
HL9968 more like this
HL9969 more like this
HL9970 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.84Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-25T14:19:14.84Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
4724
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Blower more like this
1659261
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-09-07more like thismore than 2023-09-07
star this property answering body
Department for Education more like this
star this property answering dept id 60 more like this
unstar this property answering dept short name Education more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Education remove filter
star this property hansard heading Schools: Buildings more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask His Majesty's Government how many schools have not returned a reinforced autoclave aerated concrete survey; and what actions they are taking to ensure the safety of teachers and pupils in schools where the safety of buildings is not yet known. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Earl Russell more like this
star this property uin HL9996 more like this
unstar this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
unstar this property date of answer less than 2023-09-19more like thismore than 2023-09-19
unstar this property answer text <p>Nothing is more important than the safety of children and staff. It has always been the case that where we are made aware of a building that may pose an immediate risk, the Department takes immediate action.</p><p>It is the responsibility of those who run schools – academy trusts, Local Authorities, and voluntary-aided school bodies – who work with their schools on a day-to-day basis, to manage the safety and maintenance of their schools and to alert us if there is a concern with a building.</p><p>The Department has acted decisively and proactively to tackle this issue. This Government has taken more proactive action on RAAC than any other in the UK. The Department issued comprehensive guidance in 2018, and subsequent years, to all responsible bodies highlighting the potential risks associated with RAAC and supporting them to identify this within their buildings, as well as to take appropriate steps in meeting their obligations to keep buildings safe. The most recent guidance is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance</a>.</p><p>There are over 22,000 schools and colleges in England, and the vast majority are unaffected. A significant proportion of the estate was built outside the period where RAAC was used, with around one third of the estate built since 2001, therefore, the Department has focused efforts on buildings built in the post-war decades.</p><p>The Department issued a questionnaire in March 2022, asking responsible bodies to inform the Department of any suspected RAAC identified in their estates. Responsible bodies have submitted questionnaires for over 98% of schools with blocks built in the target era, of which there are 14,900. We are pressing all remaining schools to get checks completed, to determine which schools require surveys.</p><p>The Department is contacting responsible bodies to help them respond to this request and to advise on what needs to be done, so that they can establish whether they believe they have RAAC. This work will continue until we have a response for all target era schools.</p><p>Schools and colleges where RAAC is suspected are being fast tracked for surveying, which is used to confirm whether RAAC is actually present. All schools and colleges that have already told us they suspect they might have RAAC will be surveyed within a matter of weeks, in many cases in a matter of days.</p><p>All schools where RAAC is confirmed are provided with a dedicated caseworker to support them and help implement a mitigation plan and minimise the disruption to children’s learning.</p><p>Across Government, Departments have been asked to report on the current picture of suspected and confirmed RAAC in their estates as soon as possible. This will be updated on a regular basis as new buildings are identified and surveying and remediation are carried out. The Department for Education published lists of education settings confirmed as having RAAC on Wednesday 6 September, and committed to providing further updates.</p><p>Schools will contact parents where RAAC is identified and inform them of any impacts on their child. The vast majority of schools are unaffected. Any parents that are unsure if their child’s school is affected should contact their school directly.</p><p>While some short term disruption is inevitable, all available measures will be taken to minimise disruption to pupil learning and ensure that pupils continue to receive face-to-face teaching. Where there is any disturbance to face-to-face education, schools will prioritise attendance for vulnerable children and young people and children of key workers. The guidance published by the Department in August also includes guidance on provision for pupils with SEND and sets out expectations that schools continue to provide free school meals to eligible pupils.</p><p>The Department will fund emergency mitigation work needed to make buildings safe, including installing alternative classroom space where necessary. Where schools and colleges need additional help with revenue costs, like transport to locations or temporarily renting a local hall or office, the department will provide that support for all reasonable requests. The Department will also fund longer term refurbishment projects, or rebuilding projects where these are needed, to rectify the RAAC issue in the long term.</p><p>All previously confirmed School Rebuilding Programme projects announced in 2021 and 2022 will continue to go ahead. A full list of confirmed projects can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme-schools-in-the-programme" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme-schools-in-the-programme</a>.</p><p>Further information on RAAC in education settings is available on the Education Hub: <a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/06/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/" target="_blank">https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/06/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/</a><a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/" target="_blank">.</a></p>
unstar this property answering member printed Baroness Barran more like this
star this property grouped question UIN HL9957 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-19T11:36:06.637Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-19T11:36:06.637Z
star this property answering member
4703
unstar this property label Biography information for Baroness Barran more like this
star this property tabling member
4983
unstar this property label Biography information for Earl Russell more like this