HC Deb 29 October 2002 vol 391 c759W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what duties local schools will have to admit children living in accommodation centres. [76584]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

I have been asked to reply.

Clause 35(2) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill provides that a child who is a resident of an accommodation centre may not be admitted to a maintained school or a maintained nursery. However, clause 36 enables an LEA to disapply that provision and to arrange for the education of a child residing in an accommodation centre. In such circumstances the LEA may require the admission of a child to a maintained school, after consulting the school's governing body. However, the LEA cannot require the governing body of a school to admit a child if the child's admission will result in special measures to ensure compliance with the Secretary of State's limits on infant class sizes.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the teaching unions on his proposals to educate some children seeking asylum in accommodation centres. [76585]

Beverley Hughes

There have been no discussions with the teaching unions on the proposals to educate some children of asylum seekers in accommodation centres. However, officials in the Department for Education and Skills have established an advisory group with representatives from the Local Government Association (LGA) and the local education authorities in the areas where centres are planned.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to set out in law the role of the LEA in the delivery of education in accommodation centres. [76586]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

I have been asked to reply.

Clause 35 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill specifies which LEA duties are not to apply in respect of children living in accommodation centres. Clause 36(3) empowers the Secretary of State to provide guidance to be followed by LEAs when using their power to arrange for the provision of education in accommodation centres. Such guidance can also offer further information as to the role of LEAs in the delivery of education for children living in the centres.