Member

A change of a school’s registered address is already a material change requiring notification. However, if a school does not change its registered address, it is currently not a material change to change what buildings are occupied for students’ use. This means that there is no prior assurance that new buildings are safe. We see examples of independent schools being inspected where children are found in buildings that are entirely unsuitable for their education and are, in some cases, simply unsafe. The aim is for this to be a targeted and proportionate measure that focuses on buildings that are most likely to put children at risk of harm, but I understand and recognise the concerns of the noble Baroness that the drafting is too broad. Officials will test the current drafting.