HC Deb 24 July 2000 vol 354 cc438-9W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many Ofsted school inspection reports, since the publication of the report of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, have included(a) consideration of the school's effectiveness in preventing and addressing racism, (b) highlighted racial equality issues among the key action points and (c) identified improvements in the school's practice in promoting racial equality; [131961]

(2) how many schools placed under special measures since the publication of the report of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry have had failure to address issues of racial equality identified among their weaknesses; [131962]

(3) how many schools which have been identified by Ofsted as having serious weaknesses have, since the publication of the report of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, had failure to address racial equality as one of the identified weaknesses; [131963]

(4) if he will request Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools to respond in writing to the recommendations of the report of the Commission for Racial Equality, "Inspecting Schools for Race Equality: Ofsted's Strengths and Weaknesses". [131964]

Ms Estelle Morris

These are matters for HM Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library. Post-inspection action plans are prepared by schools' governing bodies to address the key issues for action identified by inspectors, which could include the need better to address issues of racial equality. In the case of schools requiring special measures or with serious weaknesses, HM Inspectors judge whether action plans adequately address the key issues and monitor improvement on subsequent visits. My Department checks on the progress made by each school and, in cases where progress is limited, works with the local education authority to ensure that urgent action is taken to improve the quality of education provided for pupils.

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will respond to the recommendations of the report of the Commission for Racial Equality, Inspecting Schools for Race Equality: Ofsted's Strengths and Weaknesses. [131965]

Ms Estelle Morris

This Government are committed to ensuring high standards and equal opportunities for every child in every school and Ofsted has an important role in achieving that aim. Most of the recommendations in the CRE's report are matters for Ofsted. We will respond to the other recommendations after we have completed our consideration of the report.

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