§ 51. Mr. Rogersasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Education Act 1981 regarding the integration of children with special educational needs into mainstream schools.
§ Mr. DunnThere is an increasing demand from parents of children with special educational needs, particularly those with young children, for admission to ordinary schools and a growing trend for LEAs to make the first placement for such children in ordinary nursery schools or classes, or ordinary primary schools, where this is consistent with an efficient use of resources. Where such a placement would be more expensive than a place in a special school or unit, the authority is under no obligation to meet the parent's wishes.