§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of youngsters currently attending special schools will be sent to mainstream schools as a result of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs. [74815]
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§ Ms Estelle MorrisWe are not setting targets for the number of pupils with special educational needs that will in future be accommodated in mainstream schools. We have made it clear to local education authorities that, in line with their duties under the Education Act 1996 to arrange suitable provision for pupils with special educational needs, they should continue to give due weight to the views of parents—both where parents wish their children to attend special schools and where they wish them to attend mainstream schools. We expect that in future increasing numbers of mainstream schools will be able to offer high-quality provision to pupils with special educational needs.
§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many representations he has received from parents of pupils attending special schools in Essex in respect of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs; and how many parents supported the policy of inclusion within mainstream schools. [74813]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisResponses from parents both to the Green Paper "Excellence for all" and the subsequent Programme of Action were not recorded on a territorial basis.
§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from Essex Local Education Authority in respect of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs; and what proposals he has received from Essex LEA to shut special schools. [74812]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisWe have received no representations from Essex LEA in respect of the Programme of Action. Essex has made no formal proposal to the Department to close a special school.