HC Deb 15 December 1994 vol 251 cc808-9W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions she(a) has had, or (b) plans to have, with those local education authorities which have failed to secure funding for existing reading recovery schemes through the single regeneration budget.

Mr. Robin Squire

My right hon. Friend has no plans to discuss individual single regeneration budget bids with local education authorities. Unsuccessful bidders have been invited to contact their regional Government office, if they have queries.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she is taking to ensure the completion of training courses by existing reading recovery teacher trainees in local education authorities which have failed to secure funding for existing reading recovery schemes under the single regeneration budget.

Mr. Robin Squire

It is for local education authorities to take steps to ensure that teachers complete their reading recovery training course. Authorities are aware that funding for the three-year national pilot of reading recovery will end as planned in March 1995.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she is taking to ensure the spread of good practice in reading recovery schemes to local education authorities which have had no previous involvement in the scheme.

Mr. Robin Squire

The Department is funding the reading recovery national network team at the institute of Education, university of London to provide information and advice on reading recovery to all LEAs.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment has been made by her Department of the long-term financial implications of reading recovery schemes for schools operating such schemes.

Mr. Robin Squire

The reading recovery national network team at the institute of education, university of London, estimate that the cost of reading recovery to schools is £1,000 per child. An independent research project, sponsored by the Schools Curriculum and Assessment Authority, is also looking at the cost of reading recovery.

It is for schools and local education authorities themselves to consider, in the light of their own circumstances, whether long-term savings resulting from successful reading recovery schemes are sufficient to offset those costs.