§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements he has made to ensure that travellers' children receive education. [56708]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeSchools receive funding for the education of Traveller children in the same way as for other pupils on the school roll. In addition, and in recognition of the particular educational needs of Traveller children, schools and LEAs can benefit from additional support through a specific grant payable under Section 488 of the Education Act 1996. In the current financial year this grant is supporting expenditure of some £10.7 million across 3,400 English schools, mainly providing additional specialist teacher support. The grant aims to improve levels of school attendance and achievement amongst Traveller children, including their full integration alongside other children in mainstream education.