To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the effect of the extension of the compulsory age of participation in education or training on his responsibilities in respect of ensuring a safe environment for all young people; and what (a) steps he plans to take and (b) resources he plans to allocate to (i) establish and (ii) regulate such an environment. (269777)

We are committed to making this country the best place for children to grow up. This includes providing world class facilities for young people to learn which are safe, support their needs and inspire them to succeed. By 2015 local authorities will need to ensure access to high quality facilities to deliver the full 14-19 entitlement, enabling all young people to be in learning.

Guidance on "Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education" came into force in January 2007. The guidance sets out the responsibilities of all local authorities, schools and FE colleges in England to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

Independent of DCSF, Ofsted are responsible for assessing the safety of young people in every learning environment. This includes the care, guidance and support offered to them, and the extent to which the provision contributes to them being healthy and staying safe. We envisage this will continue after the raising of the participation age has come into force.