§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the progress of the implementation of the Education Act 1981; and what further plans he has to assist local education authorities to implement the Act.
§ Mr. DunnIn general, yes. The new assessments and statements procedures are now in operation. Many local education authorities have conducted a review and re-appraisal of their special educational provision and arrangements in the light of the Act. Further plans to assist local education authorities to implement the 1981 Act include the payment of grants to assist the in-service training of teachers to deal with special educational needs in ordinary schools, the revision of a design note on access for the physically disabled to educational buildings and the preparation of a new publication on the design of accommodation for children with special educational needs in ordinary schools.