§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment with what frequency residential care homes are subject to Ofsted inspections; and what the Chief Inspector's assessment is of the educational standards of residential care establishments. [129771]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisOfsted inspects and reports upon residential independent schools catering for pupils with special educational needs, which are registered as schools and children's homes, at least once in a six-year period. At the request of the Social Services Inspectorate, Ofsted participates in inspections of Secure Units, which take place at intervals of approximately three years. Ofsted does not inspect the education provided in other types of residential care establishments for young people. HM Chief Inspector's annual report for 1998–99 contains sections about residential special schools (page 59) and the education of young people in secure accommodation (pages 64–65).