§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of state for Educatation and Skills (1) pursuant to the answer of 1 May 2003,Official Report, column 485W, on looked after 553W children, on what dates he held meetings with the Independent Schools Council; what issues were discussed; and when he plans to hold future meetings; [113349]
(2) pursuant to the answer of 1 May 2003, Official Report, column 485W, on looked after children, what steps his Department is taking to encourage co-operation between local education authorities and the Independent Schools Council on the education of looked after children. [113350]
§ Mr. MilibandMy right hon. Friend last met representatives of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) on 7 April. A range of issues were discussed, including the ISC's proposal that some looked after children could be educated in independent boarding schools, where that would be appropriate and beneficial to the young people concerned. No arrangement has yet been made to hold further meetings. We are actively considering how best to build on these productive discussions.