§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what provisions have been included in the national curriculum to enable pupils with disabilities to participate in team games on an equal basis with their able-bodied counterparts; what representations he has received on this issue; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthThe current national curriculum for physical education, which includes games, was drafted so that specific interpretation or modification is required for 545W as few pupils with special educational needs as possible. The aim was to ensure that all children should have the opportunity to take part in national curriculum physical education.
When reviewing the national curriculum, the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority appointed a special needs advisory group specifically to ensure that the requirements of pupils with special educational needs were taken fully into account. The revised proposals for physical education, published for consultation earlier this month, include elements of the programmes of study which can be taught to all pupils in ways appropriate to their abilities. Where necessary, pupils with special educational needs will be able to gain experience of team games through activities such as wheelchair basketball, rounders and table tennis.