§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what requirements there are for schools to provide medical and nursing arrangements for their pupils; what plans he has to increase the requirements; and if he will make a statement. [144954]
§ Jacqui SmithMaintained schools must by law have an appropriate room for medical aril dental examinations and for caring for sick or injured pupils, but there are no statutory requirements for schools themselves to provide medical and nursing arrangements for pupils. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has a duty to provide for medical and dental inspections and treatment for school pupils. Local education authorities and school governing bodies are required to make arrangements for encouraging and assisting pupils to take advantage of this provision. We have no present plans to change these various requirements, and have published good practice guidance on carrying them out.