§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the subject areas in the national curriculum that will not be available to children taught in asylum seekers' accommodation centres. [76141]
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§ Mr. Stephen Twigg[holding answer 21 October]: All the National Curriculum subjects will be taught in accommodation centres. Departmental officials are working with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to agree how this commitment can be delivered to maximise the educational opportunities for children and young people who will be in these centres for a maximum of 9 months. There will also be intensive support provided to help them learn English.
§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills who will be responsible for identifying gifted and talented children in asylum seekers' accommodation centres. [76142]
§ Mr. Stephen Twigg[holding answer 21 October]: On arrival in an accommodation centre, children will receive an initial assessment, covering their previous educational experience, attainment and knowledge of English. It will be the responsibility of the education contractor to conduct these assessments and, by so doing, identify any gifted and talented children. After which appropriate provision will be made, if necessary, (but exceptionally) outside the accommodation centres.