HC Deb 26 November 1991 vol 199 c466W
Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to ensure that students with special educational needs wishing to pursue further education receive a full and appropriate assessment of their needs; and if he will specify the methods by which their academic achievements will be acknowledged.

Mr. Eggar

Under the Further and Higher Education Bill currently before Parliament the assessment of further education students' needs will continue to be a matter for the colleges. It would be inappropriate for the Government to specify the methods by which examining and awarding bodies assess the academic achievements of students with special educational needs. The Government expect those bodies to ensure that their assessment arrangements take account of the needs of students with special educational needs.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will extend the statutory age limit for entitlement to further education for students with special needs who need extra time to develop independence skills and to catch up academically with their able-bodied peers.

Mr. Eggar

There is no such statutory age limit. The duty to secure provision of further education applies to 16 to 18-year-olds and to adults of all ages. The Further and Higher Education Bill currently before Parliament carries that duty over into the proposed new further education structures.