§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to review the powers and responsibilities of local education authorities in respect of the provision of special educational needs and education psychology services and specialist advice and support to schools; and if she will make a statement. [21082]
§ Mrs. GillanThe powers and responsibilities of local education authorities in this regard are contained in the Education Act 1993 and associated legislation, including the code of practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs. The code came into force in September 1994, and the Department is currently monitoring its implementation by schools and LEAs, together with implementation of other aspects of the legislation. I understand that Ofsted intends shortly to publish a report on an interim survey by Her Majesty's inspectorate of schools on the implementation of the code of practice in the period from September 1994 to November 1995.