Special Educational Needs Tribunal

HC Deb 12 December 1995 vol 268 cc559-60W

Mr. Lester

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the first annual report of the president of the special educational needs tribunal will be published; and if she will make a statement. [5845]

Mrs. Gillan

The report has been published today, and copies have been placed in the Library.

I very much welcome the report which shows that, during its first year of operation, the special educational needs tribunal has met the targets it was set for dealing with appeals. This is an excellent start.

The SEN tribunal president, staff and members have worked very hard and have achieved a great deal during the year. This has been achieved despite extreme and unexpected pressure—the tribunal has done well to adapt to meet this. The report is a tribute to their hard work.

The tribunal has been very well received by both parents and local education authorities. It has gained a deserved reputation for impartiality, informality and, above all, fairness. This is something which I applaud.

This is an excellent base on which to build. I hope the tribunal will continue the excellent work it has begun.