§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from Stagecoach performing arts schools about changes to the Children Act 1989. [139928]
§ Ms HodgeWe have received many letters sent on behalf of Stagecoach schools. The Government are presently reforming the system for regulating child care in England, bringing in new national standards to be regulated by a new Early Years Directorate in Ofsted. The correspondents are concerned about the potential impact of these changes on activity-based organisations such as Stagecoach whose primary purpose is not child care. The Government recognise these concerns and are considering 413W whether it is appropriate to bring such organisations under the new arrangements. We will take full account of all the concerns raised when we reach a decision.