§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how she plans to involve young people in the consultation on the Government's plans for the education of those aged 14 to 19; and if she will make a statement. [44773]
§ Mr. TimmsWe recognise the need to take full account of the views of young people on the 14 to 19 reforms and, for the first time ever, we have produced a version of the Green Paper specifically for them.
Copies of this have been distributed to members of the UK Youth Parliament and, through the British Youth Council, to Youth Councils around the country. Sample copies will also be distributed to schools, FE sector colleges and LEAs with encouragement for teachers to engage young people in the consultation process in guided PSHE and citizenship sessions or through student councils.
Events will also be organised for a wide cross-section of young people through local Connexions Partnerships. We are also inviting the UK Youth Parliament and the British Youth Council to consider the proposals and respond and Ministers are discussing the proposals with groups of young people during ministerial visits.
We have also placed the Green Paper online on the DIES young people's gateway at www.dfes.gov.uk/ youngpeople and advertised on websites popular with young people.