Commentary on Sections Local authority services Section 51: Inspection of local education authorities
223.This section amends section 38 of the Education Act 1997 (inspection of LEAs). At present Ofsted (in England) or Estyn (in Wales) may inspect functions relating to the provision of education by a local education authority for persons of compulsory school age or persons above or below that age who are registered as pupils at a school maintained by the authority.
224.This amendment allows Ofsted (in England) to review any local education authority function, with the exception in England of functions which fall within the Adult Learning Inspectorate’s remit. By virtue of the amendment Estyn (in Wales) will be able to review any local education authority function and functions under sections 25 (co-operation to improve well-being: Wales) and 26 (children and young people’s plans: Wales), so far as those functions relate to education, training or youth support services.