HC Deb 12 March 1992 vol 205 cc599-600W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what importance he places on the personal and social development of children with special educational needs.

Mr. Eggar

Schools have an important part to play in the personal and social development of all their pupils. Section 1 of the Education Reform Act 1988 requires that the curriculum of every maintained school shouldpromote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of its pupils and of society and prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life".

That applies equally to pupils with special educational needs, although there is provision for their curriculum to be considered on an individual basis where necessary. This might include more personal and social education where that is in their best interests and in keeping with the requirement that they receive a broad and balanced curriculum.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements are made for the procedures for, and personal teaching of, statemented pupils attending grant-maintained schools; on what basis their allocated personal teachers are supplied and paid; and what are the statutory responsibilities of local education authorities for such pupils.

Mr. Eggar

Local education authorities have a statutory duty to arrange the special educational provision specified in the statements they issue for all children in their area. Arrangements will vary to meet an individual pupil's statement. School governors, including GM school governors, have parallel statutory duties to provide for their registered pupils with statements.