HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 cc624-5W
Miss Kirkbride

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which care standards will be used for welfare inspections in residential special schools operating 52 weeks a year. [20686]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 4 December 2001]The Care Standards Act 2000 provides that when boarding schools (including residential special schools) provide accommodation for more than 295 days a year, then they are required to register as children's homes. Thus, the Children's Homes National Minimum Standards will apply.

While we cannot change the provision in the Care Standards Act 2000, there are various issues, arising from the recent consultation process, about the suitability of some standards which are to be used in both School and Children's Homes settings. We are conscious of the practical difficulties involved and we are, therefore, reviewing the comments made by respondents and, where appropriate, will revise the standards.