DfEE Green Paper (22/10/1997) - Non-maintained special schools and independent schools

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5 Planning SEN provision

Non-maintained special schools and independent schools

11. Non-maintained special schools and independent schools catering wholly or mainly for children with SEN offer specialised, often residential, provision. In many cases, they make a unique contribution. Like maintained schools, they will need to take account of the developing context set out in this Green Paper. We believe therefore that this key sector should be represented in the regional planning arrangements proposed above. Where a regional plan suggests a case for establishment of a new school, a contribution from a voluntary body, charity or private provider should be considered sympathetically.

12. All non-maintained special schools have to be specifically approved by the Secretary of State and inspected by OFSTED. We do not intend to change these arrangements.

13. Independent schools providing for SEN are subject to three specific controls:

they may seek approval by the Secretary of State: LEAs are then free to place pupils with statements in them within the terms of the approval. Otherwise LEAs may place children with statements in independent schools only with the case by case consent of the Secretary of State;
they are subject to inspection. Schools which have been approved are inspected by OFSTED on a 4-yearly cycle (from 1998, 6-yearly). Other independent schools are inspected by HMI. We propose to ensure that independent schools providing specifically for children with SEN, but which have not received the Secretary of State's approval, are inspected at least every 5 years and that the inspection reports are published; and
residential schools are subject to inspections by social services departments under the Children Act.

31/08/2000