§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will require councils to provide in-service training to train teachers to identify children with learning difficulties as quickly as possible and to adopt systems which achieve an early follow up in respect of each child identified. [61545]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe provision of in-service training for teachers is a matter for authorities to determine in the light of local needs and circumstances. We have no plans to change this arrangement.
The Government support authorities provision for in-service training of staff working with children with special educational needs through specific grant. From April 1999, Government resources available for special educational needs in-service staff development and training will more than double to £5 million per year.