§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average length of time taken to statement a child, and how many statements are currently outstanding in each local education authority. [46438]
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§ Ms Estelle MorrisInformation is not available in the form requested. Figures published by the Audit Commission this year showed that in 1996–97 48 per cent. of draft statements were served on parents by LEAs within the statutory 18 week time-limit. This level of performance is unacceptable, and the Department has asked LEAs with poor records what action they propose to take to improve.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the National Advisory Group on Special Educational Needs first met to consider the results of the consultation on the Green Paper, "Excellence for All Children". [46668]
§ Ms Estelle Morris[holding answer 19 June 1998]: Consultation on the Green Paper closed formally on 9 January 1998, although responses continued to be received until March. The National Advisory Group considered a preliminary analysis of the responses on 11 February, and met again to consider a full assessment on 29 April.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department has issued to local education authorities on the needs of children with ADD/ADHD.[46428]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Department has not issued guidance on attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). Identifying and meeting children's special educational needs, including needs which arise from ADD/ADHD, is a matter for local education authorities and schools, having regard to the Department'sCode of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. Together with the Department of Health, we are considering how best to disseminate factual information on ADD/ADHD and to make available information on good practice in meeting the educational needs of children with this disorder.