§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what arrangements have been made to produce the large print version of the key stage tests.
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§ Mr. ForthBrailled, enlarged and modified print versions of test papers for 14-year-olds are available for pupils with a statement of special needs for visual impairment. It is for teachers to decide which type of question paper is most suitable for their pupils. The School Examinations and Assessment Council (SEAC) asked schools to place orders for such papers by January 1993. Pupil packs are made up individually according to schools' orders.
Large print versions of the tests for seven-year-olds have not been prepared. Given the way the tests are administered, teachers are able to explain the nature of the tasks to pupils with visual impairment. However, schools may enlarge pupil work sheets in preparing the tests for pupils with special needs.
SEAC has also advised schools of a telephone helpline which has been established at the Royal National Institute for the Blind to deal with inquiries and any problems arising over the delivery of test papers.