HC Deb 26 May 1972 vol 837 cc503-4W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many full and part-time remedial teachers of reading are employed in primary and secondary schools, respectively; and what steps she is taking to increase the numbers of such teachers.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Information about the numbers of such teachers is not available. Local education authorities are encouraged to apply for additions to their teacher quota in order to improve their teaching of slow learners.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many remedial teachers of reading have attended a specialised course on remedial teaching.

Mr. van Straubenzee

This information is not available.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if rates of pay for remedial teachers vary under different local education authorities.

Mr. van Straubenzee

No. Statutory scales of salaries for teachers, including remedial teachers, in schools maintained by local education authorities in England and Wales apply on a national basis.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if all remedial teachers are paid under the Burnham scale; and if special scales apply.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Remedial teachers employed in schools maintained by local education authorities are all paid under the statutory Burnham primary and secondary salaries document. Teachers in maintained special schools and in special classes in ordinary maintained schools receive a special salary addition.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what in-service provision is made for teacher-training courses in the subject of specific reading difficulty.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Relevant courses in the teaching of reading and in remedial education are provide by a variety of agencies and more are being established, but it is not possible to identify provision related to specific reading difficulty.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if she will give the number of children with specific reading difficulties receiving grants under the boarding education scheme, and the number in so far as it is known to her of such children whose parents have opted out of State education and placed their children in independent schools;

(2) if she will give the number of children with specific reading difficulties who are receiving special remedial education in child guidance clinics, hospital clinics, and independent dyslexia centres, respectively;

(3) how many local education authorities already have remedial education centres.

Mrs. Thatcher

This information is not available.