§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the aims of the named person scheme are for children with special educational needs; and what assessment he has made of the scheme. [140858]
§ Jacqui SmithThe aim of the named person scheme is set out in the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, paragraphs 4:70 to 4:73. The named person is intended to be someone, named by the authority when a statement of special educational needs is served on parents—someone who can give the parents advice and information about their child's special educational needs. The scheme has been subject to assessment by my Department, and new arrangements are being proposed in the draft revised Code of Practice, issued for consultation by my Department earlier this year, and separately for Wales by the Office of the Welsh Assembly, for a new Independent Parental Supporter who would replace the named person.