§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many hours of speech therapy will be provided to children under the provisions of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Bill[Lords]. [158122]
§ Jacqui SmithThis matter does not come within the provisions of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Bill. Specific provision for speech and language therapy might be set out in a statement of special educational needs (SEN) maintained in relation to a particular child. In the draft revised SEN Code of Practice 117W we have indicated that addressing speech and language impairment should normally be recorded as educational provision unless there are exceptional reasons for not doing so.
Local education authorities receive support under the Standards Fund to enhance speech and language therapy services in conjunction with the NHS and the voluntary sector. Of the £82 million available for SEN under the Standards Fund 2001–02, we envisage that about £10 million will be spent on improving speech and language therapy provision.
In addition, I announced on 27 March a £10 million initiative to provide communication aids for children with SEN and disabilities. This expenditure will be incurred over the period 2002–03 and 2003–04.