HC Deb 19 April 2004 vol 420 c28W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many looked-after children there have been in England in each year since 1994; and what proportion or children have been continuously looked after for at least 12 months. [158065]

Margaret Hodge

The number of children looked after at 31 March for each year since 1994, and the percentage looked after continuously for at least 12 months are shown in the table.

Number of children looked after at 31 March, and percentage looked after continuously for at least 12 months, England1
Year Number of children looked after at 31 March2 Percentage looked after continuously for at least 12 months
1994 49,100 69
1995 49,500 67
1996 50,600 67
1997 51,200 69
1998 53,300 69
1999 55,500 70
2000 58,100 70
2001 58,900 73
2002 59,700 73
2003 60,800 Not available3
1Figures in this table exclude children under an agreed series of short term placements.
2Figures rounded to the nearest 100.
3The percentage of children looked after continuously for at least 12 months is derived from the SSDA 903 return. Figures for the year ending March 2003 will be available on 31 March 2004.
Source:
CLA 100 and SSDA 903 statistical returns

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of looked-after children received an annual health assessment in each year since 1994. [158070]

Margaret Hodge

Information on the percentage of looked-after children who have received an annual health assessment was not collected centrally between 1994 and 1999. The percentages since 2000 are shown as follows.

Figures for the year ending 30 September 2003 are expected to be published at national level on 29 April and, at local authority level towards the end of May 2004.

Looked after children Mho received an annual health assessment, 12 months ending 30 September 2000 to 2002—England
Percentage
2000 65
2001 68
2002 7I
Source:
0C2 return