§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what responsibilities(a) Ofsted, (b) the Health and Safety Executive, (c) the local education authority and (d) the Secretary of State for Education have to ensure a safe environment for teachers and pupils in nursery schools. [30814]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisUnder health and safety legislation, the employer, which for maintained nursery schools is the local education authority, is legally responsible for health and safety and must ensure that the school has policies and procedures in place. Ofsted inspectors evaluate and report on schools' policy and procedures, including health and safety. Ofsted's inspectors also evaluate and report on the extent to which the arrangements for the induction, appraisal and professional development of staff in schools contribute to their effectiveness. The Health and Safety Executive are responsible for enforcing the legislation. The Department provides health and safety guidance to schools and LEAs where necessary and has statutory responsibility for regulations on building safety standards.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the guidelines governing safety of children at nursery schools. [30812]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Department is responsible for the maintained nursery school sector. We have issued guidelines on recommended adult: child supervision in maintained nursery schools. We have also issued health and safety guidance on a range of issues to schools and local education authorities. Although this is not aimed specifically at nursery schools, they may adopt the guidance, as the same safety principles often apply. We have not assessed the take up by nursery schools.
The Department and the Department of Health will be consulting shortly on the regulation of early education and day care with the aim of creating a more uniform regime.
Questions on private and voluntary nursery providers are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve training in health and safety best practice for nursery teachers and administrators. [30813]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisUnder health and safety legislation, the employer has responsibility for ensuring that employees are aware of health and safety issues and are trained to carry out their health and safety responsibilities effectively. In all primary Initial Teacher Training courses, trainee teachers must demonstrate that they understand health and safety legislation, are familiar with subject specific health and safety requirements and can plan lessons to avoid potential hazards.
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§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will review the penalties available to courts for breach of Health and Safety regulations in nursery schools.[30815]
§ Angela EagleI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of State and I have been discussing with the Health and Safety Commission what more can be done to secure a more realistic level of penalties for health and safety offences, including any breaches which occur in nursery schools. The Deputy Prime Minister is in correspondence with the Home Secretary and the Lord Chancellor to explore this matter further.