§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with local education authorities in the Greater London area to ensure that all possible assistance is given to enable disabled people to enter further and higher education; and if he will make a statement. [125765]
§ Mr. WicksLocal education authorities are active in securing the transition of young people with special educational needs, including many disabled young people, from school to further and higher education. They must have regard to the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, which sets44W out a transition planning process to support this group of learners. A revised Code will come into effect in September 2001 which will set out strengthened arrangements. These arrangements will, in part, be informed by provisions in the Learning and Skills Bill, which should receive Royal Assent in July.
The Bill includes a range of provisions to improve the learning opportunities available for people with learning difficulties and disabilities, including their transition from school to other learning. In addition, the Government are committed to legislate as soon as Parliamentary time allows, in response to the Disability Rights Task Force's recommendations in respect of further and higher education, which featured in its report published in December 1999.
Over half of local education authorities in England, Wales and Scotland have responded to the recent consultation exercise on how those recommendations should translate into specific legal rights and duties. Those responses will help inform and refine the legislation.