§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received about the policy of naming and shaming schools; and if he will make a statement. [58542]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe names of schools which have been found by OFSTED to be failing their pupils, or to have serious weaknesses, are a matter of public record, as are those which have received good reports. All inspection reports are published and are available on the Internet.
There is general agreement that failing schools must be identified and tackled urgently in the interests of their pupils. In May 1997 the Government found a number of schools which had been under special measures for up to three years and took action to ensure that these schools were turned round, closed or given a fresh start. All schools coming into special measures from September 1998 will have two years to improve, be closed or, in exceptional circumstances, given a fresh start. Local authorities with schools which have now been on special measures for over two years have been asked to submit plans for urgent action. The Secretary of State will not hesitate to use his new power to direct the closure of such schools if that is necessary to ensure pupils have the quality of education they deserve. When such action is taken, it will be made public.