Mr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average length of stay of a young person retained in an approved school because of truancy.
§ Mr. NobleThe periods pupils committed for truancy spend in the schools vary considerably and depend on age, home circumstances and individual needs. The average stay for such pupils released in the current year has been 17 months.
Mr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action is taken to provide suitable treatment and instruction when a young person, committed to an approved school, is found to be mentally handicapped.
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§ Mr. NobleIn some schools mentally handicapped pupils are placed in separate classes, and in all schools they receive individual or group treatment from specially experienced staff. Psychological and psychiatric advice and treatment are provided as necessary, but severely handicapped pupils are transferred to the care of the mental health authorities.
Mr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recognition is given by industry, when a young person leaves an approved school, to the time spent by the pupil in following a trade or craft during his stay in the approved school.
§ Mr. NobleThe General Council for the Apprenticeship Scheme in the Building Industry in Scotland recognises for apprenticeship purposes half the period of training in building subjects given to boys at one senior approved school after their 16th birthday, up to a maximum of six months. Other arrangements of a less formal nature are made with various employers by individual schools. The recognition given depends on the abilities and aptitudes of the pupils and on the trades concerned.