§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what plans he has to assist children at risk in respect of difficulties after entry to school; [4201]
(2) what initiatives he has taken concerning policies for those with dyslexia at school. [4200]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe measures introduced by the Education Act 1993, now consolidated in part IV of the Education Act 1996, require schools to publish, and report on, policies for children with special educational needs, including those who are dyslexic, and to make appropriate provision. Schools, local education authorities and other agencies also have to have regard to the code of practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs which contains guidance on the provision to be made for children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
The Welsh Office makes funding available to local education authorities under the grants for education support and training programme for the training of teachers of children with special educational needs, including dyslexia.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to ensure that the problems and potential of dyslexic people are raised in the teacher training curriculum; and if he will make a statement. [4204]
§ Mr. EvansThe existing criteria for courses of initial teacher training set out the competences expected of newly qualified teachers with regard to the education of children with special educational needs, including dyslexia. There will be full consultation on the new ITT requirements in the new year.