§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what priority will be given to children with disability in the allocation of pre-school places. [81417]
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§ Mr. McFallUnder new admissions arrangements which are being introduced from September 1999 as part of our Pre-School Education Expansion Programme, my Department has encouraged schools to continue the traditional practice of allocating nursery places for children with special needs, including disability, in each session within their approved pre-school enrolment number. In addition, children with Statements of Special Educational Needs can be admitted to nursery schools and classes over and above the school's pre-school enrolment number, based on the advice of Education and Library Boards.