MP tables parliamentary question about Green Corns

Date published: 24/10/2006

Jim Dobbin, Labour MP for Heywood amp; Middleton has asked the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what mechanisms are in place for the inspection of (a) curriculum, (b) hours of teaching, (c) examination entry, (d) attendance at lessons and (e) supervision in relation to children with behavioural problems placed in small homes, with particular reference to Green Corns in Rochdale.

Jim Knight, Minister of State (Schools and 14-19 Learners), Department for Education and Skills replied that Green Corns Ltd. operates a numberof children's homes in the North West, some of which have been registered as independent schools. All independent schools must comply with standards set out in The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 as amended. These set out the quality of education, welfare, health and safety arrangements for pupils that all registered independent schools must meet. Ofsted inspections of Green Corns school examine the breadth of the curriculum, timetabled teaching hours, attendance, behaviour and supervision of pupils. Independent schools are not required to enter pupils for examinations.