HC Deb 14 July 1975 vol 895 cc339-40W
Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reports have been received by his office in the past 12 months concerning the causes and treatment of maladjustment in children.

Miss Joan Lestor

A report has been received of a survey by Her Majesty's Inspectors of eight-day special schools for maladjusted children in different parts of England. A final report is expected shortly on the first of two research projects undertaken by Dr. Kolvin at Newcastle University, on the effects on maladjusted children of different forms of placement, which was completed in 1973.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take action to increase research into the causes and treatment of maladjusted children.

Miss Joan Lestor

The Department is sponsoring a project for operational research into maladjustment in children at the University of Newcastle over the period 1972–78 at a cost of £250,000. This is more than half the resources currently being devoted by my Department to research involving the education of handicapped children. Other current projects include a study by the Schools Council of curriculum procedures, methods and materials which have been found helpful in furthering the adjustment and education of disturbed pupils. My right hon. Friend is always ready, within the resources available for research, to consider well-designed projects on the education of handicapped children, but it is neces- sary to preserve a balance between the needs of the different handicaps.