HC Deb 12 November 1973 vol 864 cc37-9W
Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take steps to ensure that from autumn 1974 training of equal status and standards to that available for social workers will be available for education welfare officers; and whether she will make a statement.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

The Local Government Training Board has been discussing with the interests concerned the report of its working party on the training of education welfare officers. No further action in this field is at present contemplated until the outcome of these discussions is known.

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the plans of Her Majesty's Government for the future location of the Education Welfare Service as between education departments and social service departments, in the light of the wish of the Education Welfare Officers Association for the service to remain an integrated part of education services; and whether she will clarify the position of Her Majesty's Government on the future advisory rôle of her Department to the service.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

While close liaison is essential between education welfare officers and other local authority services, the allocation of responsibilities between local authority departments is for the authorities themselves to decide. The wide-ranging consultations which my Department and the Department of Health and Social Security have had on the Seebohm Committee's recommendation—that education welfare work should be the responsibility of social service departments—have not as yet caused us to revise this view. We have no plans at present for the adoption of an advisory rôle in relation to education welfare.

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the greater use of schools as a focal point in community care for children.

Mrs. Thatcher

Local authorities make extensive use of the premises of the schools which they maintain to promote the health and well-being of pupils and to provide recreation and care for them outside school hours. Her Majesty's Government look to the local authorities, in consultation with the managers and governors of schools, to develop this work. The Department commended the dual use of school premises to local authorities in Circular 2/70 and offered some practical suggestions for bringing it about.

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps she is taking to ensure greater stability and more resources for the staff of the Education Welfare Service; and whether she will make a statement.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

These are matters for the local authorities but my right hon. Friend would be prepared to consider any proposals from the local authority associations.