§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will list those LEAs which make specific provision for special schools for voice output communication aids for children with speech problems; how many aids are supplied in each LEA(a) at present and (b) in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [119225]
(2) if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the provision of voice output communication aids in special schools for children with learning disabilities and lack of verbal communication skills; and what his policy is in respect of allowing the use of such aids at home. [119229]
§ Jacqui SmithInformation on specific provision that local education authorities (LEAs) make to special schools in relation to communication aids is not collected centrally.
The Education Act 1996, associated regulations, and guidance in the 'Code of Practice on the identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs' places a statutory duty on LEAs to identify and assess children with special educational needs (SEN) for whom they are responsible. Where this leads to the issuing of a statement of SEN, the LEA has to ensure the child receives the special educational provision identified in the statement and the support required to ensure this provision fully meets the needs of the child. In cases where provision includes the use of communication aids many LEAs allow children to take such equipment home where it is appropriate, and we fully support that course of action.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what steps his Department is taking to evaluate and analyse the benefits of voice output communication aids for children with communication difficulties in special schools; and if he will make a statement; [119226]
(2) what steps his Department is taking to help special schools and LEAs to improve the provision of communication aids for children with speech and communication problems. [119228]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department is not, at present, undertaking any evaluation or analysis of the benefits of voice output communication aids for children with communication difficulties in special schools.
418WLocal education authorities (LEAs) are responsible for identifying and making a statutory assessment of children with special educational needs (SEN) for whom they are responsible. Where this leads to the issuing of a statement of SEN, the LEA has a duty to ensure the child receives the special educational provision identified in the statement and the support required to ensure this provision fully meets the needs of the child. This includes support required by children with communication difficulties. We would expect LEAs to monitor and evaluate locally the provision and support they make available to meet fully children's SEN.
The Department supports, through the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta), two national assessment centres for pupils with communication difficulties.
These centres provide specialist assessments to identify where technology, in particular communication aids and computers with assistive technology, (such as speech output, switch and keyboard alternatives), can provide access to the curriculum. They provide a focus of information and experience that can be accessed by anyone who has an involvement with children who have communication difficulties, including special schools.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from local education authorities requesting central government ring-fenced financing for voice output communication aids, in special schools for pupils with communication difficulties; and if he will make a statement. [119227]
§ Jacqui SmithThere have been no representations from local education authorities (LEAs) requesting central government ring-fenced financing for voice output communication aids for pupils in special schools with communication difficulties.