§ Mr. Stephen TwiggTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to publish the Government's response to consultation on the Green Paper "Excellence for all Children: Meeting Special Educational Needs". [58535]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisConsultation on the Green Paper "Excellence for all Children: Meeting Special Educational Needs" generated many thoughtful ideas and comments. In the light of these, and the advice of the National Advisory Group on Special Educational Needs (SEN), we592W have today published "Meeting Special Educational Needs: A programme of action". Copies have been placed in the Library. Copies will also be sent to all MPs.
The Action Programme sets out the progress we will make in five key areas:
better support for parents and carers of children with SEN;improving the SEN framework, including revising the SEN Code of Practice;promoting the inclusion of more children with SEN in mainstream schools where parents want it and appropriate support can be provided and developing the role of special schools as part of an inclusive education system;developing the knowledge and skills of all staff working with children with SEN; andsupporting a range of initiatives to promote partnership in SEN, locally, regionally and nationally.