HC Deb 08 May 1998 vol 311 c524W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from parental support groups, LEAs and schools in response to the consultation document, Excellence for All Children: Meeting Special Education Needs, with specific reference to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [41209]

Ms Estelle Morris

The Department received some 3,600 responses to the special educational needs Green Paper. A very small number focused on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Respondents commented on the need for better identification of the disorder and appropriate medical and educational intervention. Our response to the Green Paper consultation exercise will set out how we will improve provision for all children with special educational needs.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what evaluation he has made of the possibility of screening children excluded from school for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [41197]

Ms Estelle Morris

Schools and local education authorities are under a duty to identify children's special educational needs and, where necessary, assess for a statement of need. Local education authorities' behaviour support plans should include information about local arrangements for establishing whether behavioural difficulties, including those which may lead to exclusion, stem from underlying medical conditions.