The Secretary of State may prepare and publish statements of national minimum standards for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children for whom accommodation is provided by a school or college.
The Secretary of State shall keep the standards set out in the statements under review and may publish amended statements whenever he considers it appropriate to do so.
Before issuing a statement, or an amended statement which in the opinion of the Secretary of State effects a substantial change in the standards, the Secretary of State shall consult any persons he considers appropriate.
The standards shall be taken into account—
in the making by the appropriate authority of any determination under section 87(4) or (4A);
in the making by a person appointed under section 87A(1) of any determination under section 87B(2); and
in any proceedings under any other enactment in which it is alleged that the person has failed to comply with section 87(1).