§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the current average cost is of preparing a statement of special educational needs. [119323]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 19 April 2000]: Information on the cost of preparing a statement of special educational needs is not collected centrally. The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs sets out that LEAs must identify and make a statutory assessment of those children for whom they are responsible who have special educational needs and who may need a statement. However, LEAs and schools do not account separately for special educational provision, including specific information on preparation of statements. The differential between local practices means any estimated costs would be based on assumptions and cost apportionments.