§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what medical data are freely made available to teachers about their pupils by the school health service;
(2) what changes are being planned to the school health service in the light of the Education Act 1981; what consultations Her Majesty's Government are holding on this and with whom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe school health service will have a key role to play in the procedures being introduced under the Education Act 1981, but it does not follow that organisational changes to the service will be necessary. Detailed guidance on the implementation of the Act is set out in draft circulars on which the statutory, voluntary and professional bodies concerned are being fully consulted.
Teachers do not have access to school medical records on individual children, but the school doctor will provide them with any medical advice needed on the management of their pupils. The Education Act 1981 will not affect this practice.