§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what resources he will make available to ensure that travellers' children attend school; and what action he will take to ensure their attendance. [4261]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisIn the current financial year 1997–98, the specific grant paid under Section 488 of the Education Act 1996 will be supporting some £10 million of expenditure to meet the additional educational needs of Traveller children. The grant provides in the main for the employment of specialist teachers and education welfare officers to help ensure that Traveller children have full access to school, and that parents know and comply with their responsibilities for their children's attendance.