QUALITY ASSURANCE (Hansard, 10 July 1996)

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Raymond S. Robertson)
I beg to move amendment No. 11, in page 3, line 15, after 'persons' insert '(and, in particular, such persons with special educational needs)'.

§ Madam Speaker
With this, it will be convenient to discuss also Government amendment No. 12.

§ Mr. Robertson
In Committee, the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill (Mrs. Fyfe) spoke several times of those in Scotland with special educational needs. As I said at the time, the hon. Lady spoke with eloquence, knowledge and tremendous sincerity.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I would expect the Scottish Qualifications Authority to cater for those with special educational needs. Currently, both the Scottish Examination Board and Scottish Vocational Education Council have a strong track record in that respect. I have no doubt that the SQA will maintain that record.
We understand, however, that there are concerns that assessment procedures—many not directly operated by the SQA—might develop in such a way as to marginalise the interests of special educational needs students. I can assure the House that that is not our intention, and we shall work with the SQA on the issue. After further consideration, however, we feel that a reference to special educational needs students in relation to the quality assurance part of the SQA's powers would be appropriate.
The amendment therefore makes specific reference to SEN students in clause 4(a). The power deals with the procedures adopted by establishments for assessing attainment, rather than the audit of the effectiveness of the procedures dealt with in 4(b). On balance, we consider it preferable. It will give the SQA's consideration of SEN a more direct influence in internal assessment procedures. Clause 4(b) refers back to the checking procedures used 407 by presenting centres. Thus, amendment No. 11 will also import SEN considerations. That was the substance of the amendment tabled by the hon. Lady in Committee.
We remain committed to the principle that those with special educational needs should have the opportunity to gain fair access to qualifications. The amendment underlines that commitment, and I commend it to the House.

§ Mrs. Maria Fyfe (Glasgow, Maryhill)
I begin by thanking the Minister for his useful remarks and for having an open mind, and responding to the issue raised in Committee by myself and others. I am sure that many students with special educational needs will be delighted that he has responded so positively. I have just one question. As the amendment refers to the assessment of the standards of attainment, will it cover the teaching of persons with special educational needs? Having listened to his brief remarks at the Dispatch Box, I take it that he meant that to be covered. I am glad to welcome that assurance and the amendment.

§ Mrs. Helen Liddell (Monklands, East)
I thank the Government for introducing the amendment, and pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Maryhill (Mrs. Fyfe), who pressed the issue on several occasions in Committee. The Opposition welcome the amendment, as it is a commonsense change that beds in the SQA in a much more credible manner, and because many of us were concerned about the impact on those with special educational needs.