We come to amendment 2, in the name of the minister.

I will deal with both amendments 2 and 10, if I may. Following the committee's discussions at stage 2, the Executive undertook to lodge an amendment that would meet the concerns raised about a code of practice for inspection of schools. Amendment 2 extends minister's powers to issue codes of practice for pre-school inspections and for the inspection of initial and in-service teacher training provided by higher education institutions. Amendment 10 alters the long title of the bill, to include the inspection of teacher training establishments within the ambit of the bill.

The bill already provides for a code of practice for the inspection of education authorities, an entirely new procedure on which we felt it important to set out a code of practice from the outset. The inspection of initial teacher education is also in its early stages and, again for that reason, a code of practice will be helpful.

The procedures and practices of a school inspection and a pre-school inspection are well established. However, I have accepted the arguments that have been made to me that a code of practice can only add to the transparency of the inspection system. These amendments extend the code of practice to all areas of inspection activity in the school sector, which will ensure openness and clarity across the system. I encourage members to support these amendments.

I move amendment 2.

I support amendment 2 and I commend the Executive on accepting the arguments made at stage 2. Amendment 2 is an example of how the bill has been strengthened during the stage 2 proceedings.

At stage 1, the committee heard many concerns about the role and operation of Her Majesty's inspectorate and about the potential conflict between HMI's inspection functions and its influence on policy development. There was also some evidence of growing distrust between HMI and sections of the teaching profession.

At stage 1, the committee was not in a position to judge to what extent those concerns were justified. However, given HMI's central role in the education system, the committee's view was that it was vital that HMI was both trusted and respected by other partners in the education system and by the teaching profession in particular. A code of practice that gives guidance about school inspections and that promotes good practice in inspections will go some way to repairing the relationship between HMI and the teaching profession, both of which are vital to the success of the education system. For that reason, I am happy to support the amendments put forward by the Executive.

Amendment 2 agreed to.