HC Deb 16 December 2002 vol 396 c580W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what programmes are in place between school science and design technology departments and local industry to obtain hardware for school laboratories and workshops. [85409]

Margaret Hodge

Nationally, through Science Year, we have secured over £4 million worth of science equipment and resources for schools from partners such as Intel, Pfizer, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Association for Science Education. Highlights include an Intel Digital Microscope for every maintained primary and secondary school and an electronic whiteboard to every school with a science advanced skills teacher.

At local level, through education and business partnerships, we encourage schools and firms to work together in ways which best meet their joint needs. This can range from scientists and engineers helping with out of school clubs, to providing other resources, including hardware, where local manufacturers of the specialist equipment needed for science and design and technology are able and willing to do so.

From April 2001, the LSC assumed responsibility, for ensuring the provision of education/business link activity, including KS4 work experience and professional development placements (formerly teacher placements), in each of the 47 LSC areas.

Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action he has taken to monitor the effectiveness of the School Laboratories for the 21st Century scheme. [85675]

Margaret Hodge

The £60 million capital funding for the School Laboratories for the 21st Century scheme was spread over two years, with construction works needing to be completed by 31 August 2002. Over the next 12 months an evaluation report will be prepared covering a sample of the 149 participating local education authorities. This will provide details of how the funding has been invested, including what the balance is between newly constructed and refurbished laboratories, and an early indication of what impact this has had on educational standards.