§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science by what means his Department is monitoring Government policy on the integration of children with special educational needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe principal means used by the Department are the statistical returns from local education authorities and schools, HMI reports, surveys and research projects. Evaluation studies of the Education Reform Act will also take account of the position of pupils with special educational needs, where appropriate.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in the light of the findings of Her Majesty's inspector's report on education, he has proposals designed to improve the quality of education available to students with learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Government announced on 18 December their programme for the local education authority training grants scheme for 1990–91, under which £9.7 million will be devoted to six national priority areas in the field of special needs and issued for consultation on 9 January a draft circular on staffing for pupils with special educational needs, which sets out a number of considerations which local education authorities should take into account in reviewing local provision for these pupils in their areas. These measures will contribute to the achievement of the Government's education reforms which are intended to secure the best possible return from the resources which are invested in the education service and to raise the standards of achievement of all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Project grants and year Neurosciences Systems Cell Total Total applications 1979–80 272 425 280 977 1988–89 322 380 290 992 Alpha applications 1979–80 147 225 179 551