Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department gives Ofsted inspectors in respect of mental health services offered at secondary schools.

Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Standards: Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector is responsible for Ofsted’s common inspection framework, school inspection handbook and safeguarding guidance, which set out how inspectors consider and report on these matters. The school inspection handbook sets out that inspectors should evaluate the experience of particular individuals and groups, including those with mental health needs.

It also includes as a grade descriptor for outstanding schools that “pupils make informed choices about healthy eating, fitness and their emotional and mental wellbeing”. Inspectors must evaluate how well schools fulfil their statutory and other responsibilities, and how well staff exercise their professional judgement, in keeping pupils safe.

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