Investigations launched into 21 illegal schools

According to a statement by Children’s Minister Edward Timpson there are currently 21 schools being investigated in England by the Department for Education (DfE).

Although Timpson maintained that ‘robust steps’ were being taken to tackle unregistered schools, Labour MP and Shadow Education Secretary Lucy Powell has accused ministers of ‘dragging their feet’.

The news comes following Ofsted’s warning that more pupils were being taught in unregistered schools, which were not inspected or vetted by any formal accountability. The regulator’s chief Michael Wilshaw called for urgent action on the matter.

While Timpson confirmed there were 21 current investigations into institutions which were thought to be unregistered independent schools, he contended the number could well be less than initially thought.

He said: “However, this number often changes as new settings are established and existing ones close, or are confirmed not to be operating as schools. We have taken robust steps to tackle unregistered schools and improve safeguarding which includes being clear it is a criminal offence to operate an unregistered independent school.

"All these institutions have been warned that it is a criminal offence to operate as an unregistered school. We are asking Ofsted to visit and to prepare cases for prosecution as necessary."

Powell commented: "Ministers have a basic responsibility to ensure that children are kept safe, and yet despite warning after warning, they have dragged their feet on this very serious issue, leaving children in unregistered schools where they could be in harm's way.

"It is extremely worrying that Ofsted remain concerned that the number of children being educated in unregistered provision in parts of the country far exceeds the number that is currently known by the government. Without a doubt, the dangerous lack of local oversight of our schools system, and is putting children at risk."

A spokesperson for the DfE claimed that steps were already being taken to crack down on such institutions, including an escalation of Ofsted investigations into unregistered schools, additional specialist inspectors, tougher prosecution measures and teaming up with local authorities to identify any settings of concern.

They said: "Our tougher stand against illegal schools will help prevent children from falling into the grasp of extremists."