(1)A person who conducts an independent school which is not a registered school is guilty of an offence.
(2)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to—
(a)a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or
(b)imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,
or to both.
(3)No proceedings shall be instituted for an offence under subsection (1) except with the consent of the registration authority.
(4)Where the Chief Inspector has reasonable cause to believe that an offence under subsection (1) is being committed on any premises, he may at any reasonable time—
(a)enter and inspect the premises, and
(b)inspect and take copies of any records or other documents which he has reasonable cause to believe may be required for the purposes of proceedings in relation to such an offence.
(5)Section 42 of the School Inspections Act 1996 (c. 57) (computer records) applies in relation to the inspection of records or other documents under subsection (4)(b).
(6)It is an offence wilfully to obstruct the Chief Inspector in the exercise of his functions under subsection (4).
(7)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
Commencement Information
I1S. 159 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4