HL Deb 07 July 2003 vol 651 cc11-3WA
Baroness Sharp of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to consult on draft regulations under Section 21 of the Education Act 2002 on the respective roles and responsibilities of the local education authority, the governing body and the head teacher and whether they have reached any conclusions about the relationship between the prospective regulations and the code of practice on local education authority-school relations. [HL3658]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)

We intend to consult on draft regulations under Section 21 of the Education Act 2002 during the autumn term. The regulations will replace the existing Education (School Government) (Terms of Reference) (England) Regulations 2000 which prescribe the respective roles and responsibilities of governing bodies and head teachers. The new regulations will be extended to cover the LEA's role in the conduct of schools, both in normal circumstances and where there is cause for concern.

The regulations will reflect the code of practice on local education authority-school relations, which will remain in force.

Baroness Sharp of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to introduce regulations on the control of school premises under Section 31 of the Education Act 2002. [HL3660]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

The Government intend to introduce regulations on the control of school premises under Section 31 of the Education Act 2002 in September 2004. Until that time, Section 40 and Schedule 13 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 remain in force.

Baroness Sharp of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to consult on draft regulations on the staffing of maintained schools under Sections 35 and 36 of the Education Act 2002. [HL3661]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

Consultation on staffing regulations and guidance under Sections 35 and 36 of the 2002 Act is currently in progress. We are consulting the national representatives of staff, employers, governors and the Churches.

Baroness Sharp of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to commence the arrangements for reducing communications with schools as provided under Section 38 of the Education Act 2002. [HL3662]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

The provisions (1), (2), (4) and (7) of Section 38 of the Education Act 2002 shall come into force in England on 1 October 2003.

Baroness Sharp of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to make an order commencing Section 175 (duties of local education authorities and governing bodies in relation to welfare of children) of the Education Act 2002, and consult on draft guidance under subsection (4). [HL3663]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

We intend to bring Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 into force on 1 April 2004, and to issue guidance to local education authorities, schools, and further education institutions about child protection arrangements to coincide with that. We plan to issue a draft of that guidance for consultation in November 2003.

Baroness Sharp of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to make an order commencing Section 176 (consultation with pupils) of the Education Act 2002, and consult on draft guidance under subsection (1). [HL3676]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

The order to commence Section 176 of the Education Act 2002 in September 2003 was made on 30 June 2003 (SI 2003/ 1667 (C.69)). Two advisory groups, working in parallel—a group of adults and one of young people are helping the department to develop the draft guidance. We plan to launch the public consultation process before the summer recess.