Local Authority Education Services (LAES)

Local  Authority Education Services (LAES) inspections are carried out under Section 38 of the Education Act 1997 and the Children Act 2004.

Estyn's will agree with each council a programme for the inspection of all or most of the local authority’s education functions over a period of six years commencing in April 2006.  Estyn’s local education authority inspections comply with, and form part of, the Wales Programme for Improvement, introduced in guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government in 2002. Circular 28/2005 updates this guidance and sets out the role of the WPI as the framework for improving public services in Wales.

HMCI may, under Section 41 of the Education Act 1997, request the Wales Audit Office to assist with any inspection under Section 38.