HC Deb 15 October 2003 vol 411 cc251-2W
Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidelines his Department issues to schools on the release of pupils in full-time education for training courses offered by(a) Sea Cadets, (b) Army Cadets and (c) the Air Training Corps. [131811]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

We recognise the positive impact of participation in training courses offered by the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Training Corps and other out of school activities on pupils' leadership skills, self esteem and motivation. They also significantly reduce the risk of vulnerable young people drifting into crime as well as improving their school attendance, as I observed when I visited Project Outreach run by the Army Cadet Force Association in February.

It is for schools to consider requests to attend such activities. Requests should be considered on an individual basis taking into account the impact on the continuity of the pupil's learning and the guidance in annex A of the Department for Education and Skills' circular 10/99, School Inclusion: Pupil Support.