§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what further measures he is taking to help parents who are in dispute with authorities over their child's special educational needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthThe Government have decided to establish a new independent special educational needs tribunal as part of their package of legislative reforms on SEN announced by my noble Friend the Minister of State in another place on 11 June. The tribunal would replace the jurisdiction of both the Secretary of State and appeals committees to hear appeals under the Education Act 1981. The tribunal will give parents quicker redress, a more open and independent hearing, and a simplified structure in line with the parents charter.