§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what(a) resources and (b) money targeted at improving access for disabled school children has been made available (i) nationally (ii) in Teesside and (iii) in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [126496]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 19 June 2000]: Each year we make resources available through the School Access Initiative, to invest in making mainstream schools accessible to those with disabilities and sensory impairments. The following table sets out the amount allocated each year since 1997–98, nationally, in Teesside, and to Redcar and Cleveland LEA (which covers the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East).
This is part of this Government's determination to improve educational standards for all children and work towards a more inclusive approach for children with disabilities. More than 1,900 schools will benefit from this year's £30 million programme. Working closely with LEAs like this offers us the best opportunity to secure a coherent approach to opportunities for disabled children.
Financial Year England (£ million) Teesside1 (£) Redcar and Cleveland LEA (£) 1997–98 3.6 57,860 15,000 1998–99 11 175,000 35,000 1999–2000 20 350,000 100,000 2000–01 30 490,000 140,000 1Includes Hartlepool, Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland LEAs