§ Mr. HayesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the additional cost to local education authorities of providing an appropriate education for child refugees entering Britain from Kosovo. [83711]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeFunding for Local Education Authorities for the education of children of Refugees from Kosovo will be provided by the Department in the same way as that for all children on school roll. When we have more information on the number of refugee children from Kosovo likely to come to the UK; their educational needs; and the geographical areas where they will be located, then we will consider what additional funds, if any, local education authorities may need to provide appropriate support.
§ Mr. HayesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has held with(a) the Local government Association and (b) particular local authorities with regard to school provision for child refugees entering Britain from Kosovo. [83712]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeAt a joint Department for Education and Employment and Refugee Council Seminar on 28 April, I made clear the Government's commitment that the children of refugees entering Britain from Kosovo will have access to education in mainstream schools. The Department is in regular contact with the Local Government Association and the local authorities who have received refugees to date, to arrange suitable school provision. Those contacts will be developed when we have more detailed information on the numbers of refugees from Kosovo likely to enter the country, and the geographical areas in which they will be located.