§ Mr. Martin BellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if proposals that(a) there should be quotas or targets for the number of statements issued by LEAs, (b) in some circumstances statements could be less detailed with regard to the specification of the provision required to meet a child's needs, (c) statements could be discontinued when specified outcomes had been achieved and (d) tribunals should have regard to LEAs' policies as well as children's needs, in the Green Paper on Special Educational Needs, were included in the draft prepared by his Department's officials and presented to the Special Needs Advisory Group on 2 September 1997. [29046]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe draft Green Paper considered by the National Advisory Group on Special Educational Needs (SEN) on 2 September 1997 included proposals related to three of the four subjects mentioned. A proposal related to the fourth subject was incorporated following the Group's discussion.
The precise wording of the proposals in the Green Paper differs from that used in the question. In particular, the Green Paper proposes that there should be a national expectation of the proportion of children who might benefit from statements. It specifically states that these would not operate as strict quotas.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many primary schools have nurture groups for children showing early signs of emotional and behavioural difficulties with support from their local education authorities; and if he will list these local education authorities and the amount of funding they provide for such groups. [29707]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe term"nurture group" may apply to a variety of forms of structured intervention with group activity in support of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in the primary years. It is not possible to provide the information requested without disproportionate cost.