HC Deb 21 January 1954 vol 522 cc1189-90
29. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Education what action she proposes to take to prevent private schools being run and staffed by those who have served prison sentences for offences against pupils.

32. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education whether she will now take powers to prevent unsuitable persons from organising private schools.

Miss Horsbrugh

The existing regulations and rules of my Department prohibit the employment in grant-aided and recognised efficient independent schools of teachers unsuitable for employment on grounds of misconduct. I am considering, in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary, whether there is any effective way of extending these safeguards to other private schools.

Mr. Dodds

While thanking the right hon. Lady for her answer, may I ask whether she will get ahead with this as a matter of the greatest importance? Is she not aware that St. Michael's School, Bexley, is run by an impostor, an evil man totally unfitted to be in charge of boys, and that most of the masters have served prison sentences? The Bishop of Rochester and others have tried to clear it up and found it impossible. Is not it shameful that these people should take on private schools and have children in their charge?

Miss Horsbrugh

The hon. Member and, indeed, all hon. Members, would render a great deal of help in this problem if they would assist in making it more widely known that there is in existence a list of independent schools which are recognised as efficient. The list does not include all schools which are efficient. There are other schools which would probably obtain similar recognition and be placed on the list if they applied. I am not suggesting that only the schools at present on the list are efficient. But parents should inquire about any independent school to which they propose sending their children.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that the headmaster of a private grammar school in Hampshire was recently sent to gaol for offences against children and that at the trial it emerged that not only had he a long record of such offences, but that he had also been headmaster of other private schools? Is it not the duty of the Minister to exercise her powers under the Education Act to protect children physically, educationally and morally against people who are not fit to teach them?

Miss Horsbrugh

I can assure the hon. Member that this problem is being carefully examined. I am at present having discussions with my right hon. and learned Friend, because there are many difficulties connected with it.