HC Deb 06 March 1978 vol 945 cc460-1W
Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of handicapped children of school age are taught in special schools in England.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Returns from local education authorities in England show that in January 1977 there were 165,603 children assessed as requiring special education. Of these,128,870 were in special schools–77.8 per cent. of the total—and a further 7,891 were awaiting places in special schools. The remainder were placed in independent schools, attended designated special classes in ordinary schools, were boarded in homes, or received special education otherwise than at school.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is her policy on the provision of transport in rural areas for handicapped children who have to travel long distances to special schools.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

School transport arrangements for children, whether or not they are handicapped, are the responsibility of local education authorities under the provisions of Section 55 of the Education Act 1944. Most local education authorities take a generous view of their responsibilities in meeting the transport needs of handicapped children attending special schools and classes.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, following earlier correspondence, she will now reinvestigate the circumstances where, since October, Nottinghamshire County Council has refused to provide transport to St. Giles School, Retford for Kevin Dooley of 26 Woodhouse Place, Tuxford, who is deaf and handicapped; why he has now been placed in Balderton Mental Hospital; and whether she will insist that transport to,, school is provided for him when he is released shortly.

Miss Margaret Jackson

In view of the difficult and distressing circumstances of this case, I will make further inquiries of the Nottinghamshire Local Education Authority and write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

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