HC Deb 13 July 2001 vol 371 cc681-2W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if the Connexions Service will offer a personal adviser to young people with learning disabilities, and what arrangements will be in place to ensure that the Connexions Service provides support to young people with mental and physical disabilities; [3126]

(2) what the upper age limit is at which a young person can be in receipt of the services of a personal adviser under the Connexions Service; and if this limit will also apply to young people with learning disabilities. [3127]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: The Connexions Service will provide access to a personal adviser to all young people aged 13–19, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The personal adviser will provide advice, guidance, support and personal development opportunities based on each individual young person's needs, drawing on specialist services as necessary.

The Connexions Service will be required to arrange assessments for those with statements of special educational needs in the last year of compulsory schooling who intend to leave school, but continue in learning. The service will also have the power to arrange for assessments in other circumstances where they feel it would be beneficial, eg for young people with SEN, but without statements. These responsibilities are designed to ensure more effective transitions for young people with SEN on leaving school and moving through post-16 learning.

To build on this, the Connexions Service will, in partnership with local agencies, continue to support young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities up to their 25th birthday if they are not ready to access the adult services provided locally.