HC Deb 30 October 2000 vol 355 cc285-6W
Mr. Rammell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his policy with regard to intervention under section 497 of the Education Act 1996 where a local education authority does not specify hours of support in a statement of special educational needs. [134454]

Jacqui Smith

Although the Education Act 1996 requires a local education authority to specify the special educational provision for a child, it does not require a local education authority to detail that provision in terms of hours of support. Where parents disagree with the wording or provision set out in their child's statement of special educational needs, it is open for them to appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. Where parents have complaints about the delivery of their child's provision, they may ask the Secretary of State to intervene. He will consider what action is appropriate in each case.

Mr. Rammell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations he has received from national organisations about the extent to which Essex County Council complies with the SEN Code of Practice. [134455]

Jacqui Smith

The Secretary of State has received correspondence from the Independent Panel for Special Educational Advice (IPSEA) questioning the extent to which Essex County Council complies with the SEN Code of Practice. As with all such correspondence, officials are investigating the matter.

new arrangements were set out for Local Education Authorities in guidance issued on 22 September.