To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what guidance his Department provides to (a) schools and (b) local authorities on their use of independent consultants and investigators. [323299]

The Department does not provide guidance on the use of independent consultants and investigators by either schools or local authorities in connection with school staff suspensions and disciplinary matters. The operation of disciplinary procedures, including those that may result in suspension, is a matter for local determination as are decisions on whether additional or external sources of advice and support should be engaged.