There are no plans to stage a quality assurance review of the education improvement service.

In response to a Tynwald question from Daphne Caine (Garff), Education Minister Graham Cregeen said: ’There are currently no plans to quality assure the education improvement service and it should be noted that the reports produced by this service on our individual schools are already subject to independent review.’

But Mr Cregeen pointed out many Department of Education, Sport and Culture services were subject to external review.

’All qualifications offered by our high schools and by UCM are subject to independent review by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) in England with the exception of iGCSEs which are monitored through the independent regulations as set out by Cambridge,’ he said.

’BTEC qualifications are also subject to independent verification assessment process.’

In addition, the department was monitored by Tynwald’s social affairs policy review committee. While the Treasury’s internal audit and team carried out regular reviews.

’All the DESC’s functions are also subject to period reviews undertaken by Treasury’s assurance advisory division,’ he added.

’Financial performance is continually monitored and monthly management accounts produced.’

He added: ’Other external reviews have included the reviews completed by the Scottish Inspectorate in 2013 and 2016 which included much of the department’s work involving inclusion and safeguarding.’

His department’s Manx Sport and Recreation organisation had external accreditation by QUEST, the UK Sport and Leisure-recognised quality assurance measure.

He said that given the remit of the DESC, which also includes the arts, employment skills and sport, it would not be possible for one independent inspection agency to cover all activities.