§ Lord Clement-Jonesasked Her Majesty's Government:
When data collection relating to children with autism spectrum disorders in schools will begin. [HL4911]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandProvisions now consolidated in the Education Act 1996 require schools to submit information on numbers of pupils with special educational needs. There is currently no requirement for schools to submit information in the Annual Schools Census on the nature of such pupils' disability or learning difficulty.
In June last year, the department carried out a pilot study involving a sample of 200 mainstream and special schools to assess whether it would be possible to collect data from schools on a broad range of types of SEN. We are considering introducing a requirement for schools and LEAs to provide this information from 2004 and this is likely to include data on pupils categorised as having autistic spectrum disorder. Further work is needed, including developing appropriate data collection software and taking the views of schools and LEAs.
We expect to consult widely on an agreed definition of the various types of SEN, including the main autism bodies, before requesting schools and LEAs to provide this information.