§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance has been issued to adjudicators and school organisation committees on the policy of inclusion for children statemented with special educational needs. [137229]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 7 November 2000]: In March 2000 the Department issued guidance on statutory proposals for changes in schools. This included guidance for adjudicators and school organisation committees on the factors to be considered when determining proposals for the reorganisation of special schools and special educational needs provision in mainstream schools.
The following extract highlights factors to be considered in relation to standards of provision:
- whether the proposals will enable pupils' special educational needs to be met
- whether the proposals will improve educational standards in the area
- how the proposals will support increased inclusion
- whether the proposals will improve standards of accommodation
- whether the proposals will ensure the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum including all the elements of a basic curriculum
- how the proposals will address any specific health, safety and welfare requirements
- how the proposal will contribute to the efficient use of resources
- the impact of the proposal on other special educational needs provision within the area.
§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has undertaken into the loss of SEN teachers due to increased delegation of spending by LEAs. [138029]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department has not commissioned research specifically into the effect of increased delegation of funding to schools on teachers employed in LEA central services. We have, however, jointly funded with NASEN research to look at the ways in which SEN Support Services are developing. The early findings from this work suggests that posts are increasing or remaining stable in the vast majority of LEAs. A final report on this research will be published early in 2001.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the questions of whether statements of special needs should in future(a) specify or (b) otherwise set out assistance from a local authority in the proposed code and regulations on special needs. [138323]
§ Jacqui SmithWe have received representations from a range of individuals, parents' groups, voluntary organisations, and some hon. Members.