§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what changes have been made to the consent arrangements in respect of placing individual children with a statement in non-approved independent schools since the publication of the Green Paper, entitled "Excellence for all Children: Meeting Special Education Needs". [113916]
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§ Jacqui SmithMy Department will shortly consult on proposals for the placement of children with statements of special educational needs in independent schools. Earlier consultation had been intended, but we wished to ensure that our proposals for this sector would reflect relevant recommendations arising from the recently published report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the abuse of children in care in North Wales.
Our intention will be to ensure that children are placed only in schools that can both meet their educational needs and safeguard their welfare.