HC Deb 15 February 2000 vol 344 cc475-6W
Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the timescale for the publication of the Social Services Inspectorate report into Kinloss School in Worcestershire. [110304]

Jacqui Smith

On 3 February 2000 my Department authorised the Worcestershire County Inspectorate to release copies of the report. Copies will be sent to all local authorities that have placed children in the school and to those people, often parents of present or former pupils, who have contacted the Department or the Inspectorate about the report. I understand that the Inspectorate is finalising its distribution arrangements, and expects copies to issue around one week from now.

My Department has also given the school notice of withdrawal of its approval under section 347 of the Education Act 1996. This means that the school has until June 2000 to remedy the failings identified in the report, or it will lose its approval. The school has submitted its plans for addressing these issues, and we will arrange for inspection at the appropriate time.