§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance he gives to local education authorities as to the minimum period that should elapse between the diagnosis of a school-age child as dyslexic and its admission to specialist schooling; what is the average time which elapses; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. DunnThe provision of special education, including education for children with specific learning difficulties—"dyslexia"—is governed by the Education Act 1981 and subordinate legislation. Neither these provisions nor my right hon. Friend's guidance to local education authorities lay down such a minimum period. When a local education authority has made a statement of a child's special educational needs, it is under a duty to arrange provision for the child in accordance with the statement, unless the parent has made suitable arrangements.