New plans to clamp down on sub-standard language schools have won the backing of MP Andrew Smith.

An estimated 18,000 foreign students attend language schools in Oxford every year, bringing more than £20m to the local economy.

But there are fears that an increasing number of people are cashing in on Oxford's worldwide reputation for learning by setting up cowboy schools.

Concern is also growing that a lack of controls on host families is increasing the risk of child abuse. A meeting of the city's Language School Forum, attended by Oxford East MP Mr Smith and Oxfordshire Euro MP James Elles, heard that a voluntary code of practice adopted in 1986 had failed to have an impact.

Plans for compulsory licensing of language schools in 1990 and 1997 also failed to win Government approval.

The language school forum is now proposing a registration scheme to help it compile a comprehensive list of schools in the area.

It is hoped the scheme will enable the city council to identify poor standard schools and tackle problem areas. However, there are concerns that the scheme could give sub-standard schools legitimacy by allowing them to claim they are registered - without the necessary imposing of standards.

Mr Smith said: "I am very sympathetic with what you are trying to achieve as long as it can be done in an effective way and does not have counter-productive consequences.

"I do think we have to work hard to safeguard standards. There is a danger that the cowboys not only do harm to young people, but that they harm the goose that laid the golden egg." Mr Smith said he would discuss the proposals with Government officials.

Story date: Saturday 22 May

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