§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance she has given to local educational authorities to cater for the needs of children whose education is disrupted by ME. [28221]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisOn 1 November 2001, the Department for Education and Skills jointly with the Department of Health published new statutory guidance, "Access to Education for children and young people with medical needs". This guidance sets out minimum national standards for the education of children who are unable to518W attend school because of medical needs, and is applicable to children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).
The Independent Working Group report on CFS/ME was published on 11 January 2002. The Government hope that publication of the report will result in improved awareness and understanding of this condition and lead to improved diagnosis, treatment and management. Advice is given in the report about the education of children and young people with CFS/ME.