§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the level of expenditure from central Government funds for the education of traveller children; and how the funds are allocated and spent. [HL3709]
§ Baroness BlackstoneFunding to meet the additional costs for the education of traveller children is provided through the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Grant, part of the Department's Standards Fund, the main financial resource for the delivery of national education priorities.
In the current financial year 2000–2001, the expenditure specifically related to the education of traveller children is £15.7 million. In 1999–2000 it was £13.7 million. Allocations were made on applications received from local education authorities. Ninety-three local education authorities receive funding to support 17,000 traveller children in 3,400 schools.
The grant supports the provision of peripatetic teachers; specialist education welfare officers; pupil transport costs and uniform grants and support for distance learning.