§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has given to local education authorities concerning the provision of speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and the teaching of dyslexic children in schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythSpeech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy may be special educational needs of children for which education authorities have responsibility under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. In such cases authorities usually make arrangements for health boards to make the necessary provision. Guidance on the identification, assessment and recording of special educational needs was given in circular 1087 issued on 9 December 1982.
The hon. Gentleman will be aware from the answer I gave him on 27 June 1990 that my Department has commissioned a research study which will offer guidance to teachers about the needs of children with specific learning difficulties. A report is expected in early 1992.