Commentary Part 1: School Inspections and Other Inspections by School Inspectors Chapter 3 – School Inspectors and School Inspections: Wales Section 23: Powers of entry etc. of Chief Inspector
61.This section re-enacts and amends section 5(8) to (10) of SIA 1996. It sets out the Chief Inspector’s rights of entry to schools and rights to inspect documents for the purposes of inspection and other functions under section 20. These rights extend to other premises used by any person in connection with making provision for pupils aged 15 or over (but who are still of compulsory school age) to receive part of their education. Paragraph 5 of Schedule 2 provides that these rights can be exercised by any HMI, any additional inspector or other member of the Chief Inspector’s staff who is authorised by him. Under subsection (3) it is an offence intentionally to obstruct the Chief Inspector in carrying out his duties. Subsection (4) specifies the penalty for that offence.