§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what is the average cost of sending a special needs child to(a) a mainstream primary school and (b) secondary school in Lancashire including the cost of escort; [27439]
(2) what is the average cost of sending a special needs child to a special school in Lancashire. [27538]
§ Mr. ForthLancashire local education authority estimates that for the financial year 1994–95 the average cost of a school place is as follows:
- £7,541 at a special school;
- £4,830 at a mainstream primary school for a child with a statement of special educational needs;
- £4,990 at a mainstream secondary school for a child with a statement of special educational needs.
The cost of transport, including escorts, could not be readily disaggregated since transport and escorts may be shared between pupils attending primary, secondary and special schools and pupils with and without statements of special educational needs.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education in what circumstances a child with epilepsy, but with no other circumstance giving rise to concern, may receive a statement of special educational needs under the provisions of the Education Act 1993. [27690]
§ Mr. ForthThe responsibility for making provision for school children with special educational needs rests with 485W schools and LEAs. The code of practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs gives guidance on the exercise of this responsibility.
The majority of children with epilepsy will continue to be educated in ordinary schools and will not need special provision requiring a formal assessment and statement of special educational needs. However, a few children with epilepsy will be subject to a formal assessment and statement because of the severity of their condition.