§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what instructions have been issued to Office for Standards in Education inspectors in respect of(a) school transport and (b) the end of the three for two concession. [40743]
§ Mrs. GillanInstructions to inspectors are a matter for Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools. He has responsibility for arranging the inspection of all state-maintained schools. Ofsted inspectors have not specifically been instructed in respect of(a) school transport or (b) the three for two concession. They are, however, required to report on any health and safety problems related to individual schools which they note in the course of inspections.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will investigate how schools and local education authorities are successfully implementing the end of the three for two concession; and if she will make a statement. [40744]
§ Mrs. GillanThe ending of the three for two concession applies to specified categories of vehicles where seatbelts are fitted. There is a legal requirement and there is, therefore, no choice about its implementation.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance has been issued to local education authorities and schools by the Health and Safety Executive in respect of(a) school transport and (b) the removal of the three to two concession. [40741]
§ Mr. BowisI have been asked to reply.
No advice has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive. My Department will shortly by publishing advice notes on seat belts in school transport. These will include advice on the removal of the three for two concession and will be distributed to local authorities.
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