§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evidence he has in the light of the operation of the Education Act 1981 on the extent to which children with moderate learning difficulties can integrate into the mainstream educational system.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe 1981 Act requires that children with statements of special educational needs should be educated in ordinary schools subject to certain conditions, including that educating the child in the ordinary schools is compatible with his receiving the special educational provision he requires. The implementation of integration policies depends on careful planning and preparation, and intensive in-service training for the staff involved, as well as appropriate resourcing of the mainstream schools.
584W
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the degree of choice to be offered to parents with children with moderate learning difficulties of sending them to special schools catering specifically for their needs.
§ Mrs. RumboldSection 2 of the Education Act 1981 requires local education authorities to secure that a child with a statement of special educational needs is educated in an ordinary school, subject to account being taken of the views of the child's parents, and to certain conditions, including that educating the child in the ordinary school is compatible with his receiving the special educational provision that he requires. The 1981 Act provides for a partnership between parents and local education authorities. Local education authorities are required to ensure that parents of children with special educational needs are involved in the assessment procedure and that they are consulted about the special provision to be made to meet their children's needs.