Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998

Inspection of vocational training, etc: Wales

34 Inspection of vocational training by HM Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales

(1) This section applies to training leading to an external qualification which is provided in Wales in pursuance of arrangements made by the Secretary of State under section 2(2)(f) of the [1973 c. 50.] Employment and Training Act 1973.

(2) The Chief Inspector shall, if requested to do so by the Secretary of State, arrange for any person providing training to which this section applies to be inspected under this section.

(3) A request by the Secretary of State under this section may relate to one or more such persons, and shall specify—

(a) the person or persons concerned, and

(b) the form or forms of vocational training to which the inspection is to relate.

(4) Before making any such request the Secretary of State shall consult the Chief Inspector as to the matters to be specified in the request in accordance with subsection (3).

(5) Any inspection under this section shall be conducted by one or more of the following, namely—

(a) any of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools in Wales, or

(b) any additional inspector authorised under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to the [1996 c. 57.] School Inspections Act 1996;

but such an inspector or inspectors may be assisted by such other persons (whether or not members of the Chief Inspector’s staff) as the Chief Inspector thinks fit.

(6) In conducting an inspection under this section, the inspector or inspectors shall act in accordance with any instructions or guidelines given from time to time by the Secretary of State.

(7) Where an inspection under this section has been completed, the inspector or inspectors shall make a written report on the inspection, and shall send the report to the Secretary of State.

(8) The Secretary of State may arrange for any report of an inspection under this section to be published in such manner as he considers appropriate; and section 42A(2) to (4) of the School Inspections Act 1996 shall apply in relation to the publication of any such report by the Secretary of State as they apply in relation to the publication of a report by the Chief Inspector under any of the provisions mentioned in section 42A(2).

(9) In this section—

• “the Chief Inspector” means Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales;

• “external qualification” means a vocational qualification awarded or authenticated by such person or body as may be specified in or under regulations.

35 Inspection of careers services by HM Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales

(1) This section applies to relevant services provided in Wales in pursuance of arrangements made or directions given by the Secretary of State under section 10 of the [1973 c. 50.] Employment and Training Act 1973.

(2) The Chief Inspector shall, if requested to do so by the Secretary of State, arrange for any person providing, or arranging for the provision of, relevant services in accordance with such arrangements or directions to be inspected under this section.

(3) An inspection of any such person under this section shall consist of a review of the way in which he is discharging his responsibilities under or by virtue of the arrangements or directions in question, having regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State with respect to the provision of relevant services.

(4) A request by the Secretary of State under this section may relate to one or more such persons, and shall specify both—

(a) the person or persons concerned, and

(b) the relevant services to which the inspection is to relate.

(5) Before making any such request the Secretary of State shall consult the Chief Inspector as to the matters to be specified in the request in accordance with subsection (4).

(6) Subsections (5) to (8) of section 34 shall apply in relation to an inspection under this section as they apply in relation to an inspection under that section.

(7) In this section—

• “the Chief Inspector” means Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales;

• “relevant services” has the same meaning as in sections 8 and 9 of the [1973 c. 50.] Employment and Training Act 1973 (provision of careers services).