§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps her Department has taken to ensure that adequate training opportunities exist for young people between the ages of 16 and 18 years who(a) are disabled or (b) have learning difficulties and who have left special education or local authority care. [15208]
§ Mr. PaiceThe Department contracts with training and enterprise councils in England to provide training leading to a range of outcomes tailored to individuals' needs. Additional payments are made for those whose training plan states and intended outcome below national vocational qualification level 2. The Government guarantee at least one offer of a suitable training place to all 16 and 17-year-olds who want one and are not in full-time education or a job. The guarantee is extended to those over 18 who have been prevented from completing or taking up a training place for a variety of reasons including disability or as a result of a care order.