§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assistance her Department provides to local education authorities to assist them in(a) teacher recruitment and personal welfare, (b) inspection of and assistance to teacher and schools in their areas, (c) supply of equipment and materials for educational purposes, (d) in-service training for teachers and governors, (e) premises and services for special needs and (f) sports grounds and outdoor pursuits centres; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have for strengthening their capabilities and performance in respect of these roles. [8300]
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe Department provides support for a variety of educational priorities through the, grants for education support and training, including in-service training for teachers and governor training. Coverage is reviewing annually. The Department makes capital funding available for maintained special schools through the annual capital guidelines which it issues each year to LEAs; it also assists non-maintained special schools through an annual capital grant programme. The DFEE and its agencies provide a wide range of advisory circulars, leaflets and other information offering guidance to LEAs every year. More details about the specific 157W assistance and funding the Department provides to LEAs are shown in the departmental report, a copy of which has been deposited in the Library of the House.