§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are in place to ensure that the inaccessibility of school transport is not a restricting factor in integrating disabled children into mainstream schools; and if he will make a statement. [9248]
§ Mr. RichardsLocal education authorities have responsibility for identifying and assessing children with special educational needs. They have a qualified duty to ensure that children with special educational needs are educated in mainstream schools. They also have to comply with parental preference for a maintained school, subject to it being appropriate for the child and compatible with the efficient use of resources. If LEAs identify a particular need appropriate to a child's education, which may include school transport outside the authority's normal arrangements, they have to ensure that suitable provision is made.