HC Deb 30 October 2002 vol 391 cc802-3W
Ms Buck

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is on educating children of immigrants separately for the first months after arrival in order to have their needs assessed.[77801]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

All children, including those from migrant families, are given the same opportunities as other children to access education. The Department has no plans to provide separate education for the vast majority of children of immigrants.

However, a minority of children whose families seek asylum and are destitute may be educated in accommodation centres which will provide a complete package of support for the family. This education will be of the same breadth and quality as that delivered in schools and will be specifically tailored to meet their particular needs, including providing intensive support to help them learn English.

On arrival in the centre, children will receive an initial assessment which will cover such areas as previous educational experience and attainment, knowledge of English and any Special Educational Needs requirements. Teachers will monitor progress during the length of their stay and, on leaving the centre, will undertake a final assessment with information being recorded which will be available to their receiving school.