Written question asked by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2008. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 November 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Arts: Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many school inspections Ofsted carried out on creative learning programmes in 2008.

Answer: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply has been placed in the Library.Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 6 November 2008:"Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for a response.""In 2008, Ofsted is carrying out a survey of creativity across the school curriculum and this involves a sample of primary and secondary schools. As of 5 November 2008, 33 schools have been inspected. We intend to inspect a further 10 schools before inspection retrieval and analysis are undertaken and report writing begins. The intention is to publish the report in late summer 2009.""The focus of the survey is the impact of creative learning on the achievement and personal development of pupils. It will consider how schools assess the quality and development of creative learning across the curriculum.""A copy of this reply has been sent to Rt Hon Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Schools and Learners and will be placed in the library of both Houses."

Secondary information