§ Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children of asylum seekers are currently not receiving an education because local education authorities have not offered them a school place. [96195]
§ Jacqui SmithChildren of asylum seekers are entitled to education in the same way as other children, irrespective of their immigration status or right to residence in a particular location. It is the legal duty of the Local Education Authorities to ensure that education is available for all children of compulsory school age in their area appropriate to age, abilities and aptitudes and any special educational needs they may have. Local Education Authorities receive funding from this Department for the education of children of asylum seekers in the same way as they do for other children.