Member

Finally, I turn to government Amendment 431. The Bill will allow the Secretary of State to suspend the registration of an independent school where children are at risk of harm. In some cases, this could include a requirement to stop boarding provision if that provision were in some way unsafe. The Government anticipate that this power will be used in extremely rare circumstances. The legislation is drafted to allow for flexibility to prioritise children’s welfare appropriately; for example, buildings where teaching takes place may be dangerous, but the boarding provision may be fine. Allowing boarding to continue would permit an orderly return home for those children. This minor amendment ensures that, in cases like these, it is not an offence to provide activity necessary to ensure the welfare of boarders, for example by allowing a school to continue to provide meals to children who are awaiting collection by their parents. This amendment removes any ambiguity about whether this would be allowed. I beg to move.