Children (Classification as Immigrants)

HC Deb 25 November 1965 vol 721 cc92-3W

53. Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether children born in the United Kingdom are being classified by his Department and local education authorities as immigrants under the terms of Circular 7/65.

Mr. Denis Howell

For the purpose of Circular 7/65 children are defined as immigrants by my Department where differences in their cultural and social background and, sometimes, their inadequate knowledge of English need special attention in schools, whether or not they were born in the United Kingdom.

54. Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the nature of the special attention in schools by which his Department and local education authorities classify children with differences in their cultural and social background as immigrants.

Mr. Denis Howell

This is essentially extra teaching help, which may be provided in special classes or in some other way, and which is required to give these children an adequate knowledge of the English language, traditions and way of life, and enable them to benefit fully from their education.