Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions he has had with Ofsted on how effective management of pupil exclusions can be strengthened in the new inspection framework for schools.

Ofsted is currently consulting on proposals for a new inspection framework. This includes a separate graded judgement on pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, within which inspectors will consider pupil exclusions. Ofsted has also proposed a new emphasis on examining any use of off-rolling as well formal exclusions. The Department engaged closely with Ofsted as it developed its consultation proposals, and that engagement continues.