Calthorpe School, Birmingham

HC Deb 25 January 1977 vol 924 cc529-30W

Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is

reorganisation of the Health Service; and what are the target figures for 1979.

Mr. Oakes

The numbers of students admitted to first degree courses in medicine by universities in each regional health authority area for the period requested, and estimated admissions for 1979–80, are shown below:

the current staff-pupil ratio at Calthorpe School, Birmingham; and if she is satisfied that this is adequate to fulfil the educational purposes of a school of this kind.

Miss Margaret Jackson

I understand from Birmingham Local Education Authority that Calthorpe Special School has 275 pupils and 35 teachers, all full-time. There are 103 non-teaching staff, many of whom are employed less than full time. Staffing of schools is the responsibility of the local education authority, in the particular circumstances, including, in the case of special schools, the handicaps and special needs of the children.

In deciding on the level of staffing at Calthorpe, the authority has no doubt taken into account the guidance given in my Department's Circular 4/73.