§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will require the assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder of children suspended from school more than three times; and if he will make a statement. [10551]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisDecisions on whether to assess children for statements of special educational need are for schools and local education authorities. In the autumn we shall consult on guidance to LEAs on their duty under the Education Act 1997 to draw up, consult upon and publish a plan setting out the arrangements they make for pupils with behavioural difficulties. We will also consult on revised guidance to LEAs and schools on exclusions. This will confirm that, when deciding whether to exclude, head teachers should consider whether a child's disciplinary problems might be a sign of an emerging emotional and behavioural difficulty giving rise to special educational need. There are no plans to advise head teachers to look for particular disorders.