§ Mrs. Shieldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what guidance he gives to local authorities on spending on teacher training for children with special needs;
(2) what action he plans to take to ensure that teachers of children with special needs have sufficient training.
§ Mrs. RumboldTraining for teachers of children with special needs will be a national priority under the local education authority training grants scheme for 1987–88 as described in the Department's circular 6/86. As such, this training is eligible for grant at the higher rate of 70 per cent. within the amounts of expenditure notified to local education authorities; additional expenditure is eligible for 50 per cent. grant under the scheme.
My right hon. Friend will also be taking the training needs of these teachers into consideration when determining the arrangements for the scheme in 1988–89.