Menu
07/06/2005
Conservatives call for special schools review
Shadow Education Secretary David Cameron has called on the government to launch a full review of the provision of special schools in England and Wales.
Speaking during a visit to the Alderman Knight School in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire – a special school, which the recently-elected Conservative council is fighting to save - Mr Cameron called for Labour to fulfil the promise made in its mini election manifesto to provide a national audit of special school provision. The Shadow Education Secretary said that nothing had been announced regarding the form the audit would take or what the objectives would take.
There are currently 1,148 special schools in the UK, although 91 have closed since 1997. Mr Cameron said that no more special schools should be shut down until the audit had been completed.
The Shadow Education Secretary said that the review should inquire fully into the role of LEAs in the closure of special schools, in order to discover why so many have been closed, and also what procedures are used to allocate places. Mr Cameron also called for a review of the balance of the law on special needs provision and said that research into what parents of special needs children thought of the current provision was also needed.
Mr Cameron said: “Special schools are a vital resource for parents of children with special needs. In their pre-election education manifesto, Labour promised an audit of provision to make sure it meets local needs. We welcome that. And given the continued closure of special schools, we challenge the government to act rapidly and deliver on their promise. These children are some of the most vulnerable in our country and they should be at the top of the government’s priorities.”
(KMcA/SP)
Speaking during a visit to the Alderman Knight School in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire – a special school, which the recently-elected Conservative council is fighting to save - Mr Cameron called for Labour to fulfil the promise made in its mini election manifesto to provide a national audit of special school provision. The Shadow Education Secretary said that nothing had been announced regarding the form the audit would take or what the objectives would take.
There are currently 1,148 special schools in the UK, although 91 have closed since 1997. Mr Cameron said that no more special schools should be shut down until the audit had been completed.
The Shadow Education Secretary said that the review should inquire fully into the role of LEAs in the closure of special schools, in order to discover why so many have been closed, and also what procedures are used to allocate places. Mr Cameron also called for a review of the balance of the law on special needs provision and said that research into what parents of special needs children thought of the current provision was also needed.
Mr Cameron said: “Special schools are a vital resource for parents of children with special needs. In their pre-election education manifesto, Labour promised an audit of provision to make sure it meets local needs. We welcome that. And given the continued closure of special schools, we challenge the government to act rapidly and deliver on their promise. These children are some of the most vulnerable in our country and they should be at the top of the government’s priorities.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 July 2006
Special needs education 'not fit for purpose'
The education system for children with special needs in England is "not fit for purpose", a report by MPs has said.
Special needs education 'not fit for purpose'
The education system for children with special needs in England is "not fit for purpose", a report by MPs has said.
06 September 2004
Tories pledge to axe 'educational bureaucracy'
The Tories have claimed that they could redirect £5.7 billion a year back into schools by axing thousands of civil servants, cutting back on local education authorities and scrapping quangos. The Opposition said that school spending could be dramatically stepped up by slashing back on "educational bureaucracy in central and local government".
Tories pledge to axe 'educational bureaucracy'
The Tories have claimed that they could redirect £5.7 billion a year back into schools by axing thousands of civil servants, cutting back on local education authorities and scrapping quangos. The Opposition said that school spending could be dramatically stepped up by slashing back on "educational bureaucracy in central and local government".
11 February 2004
New strategy for special needs pupils proposed
Pupils with special educational needs in England will have access to more personalised learning as part of a new long-term strategy published today. The new strategy, 'Removing Barriers to Achievement', aims to focus on early intervention and support.
New strategy for special needs pupils proposed
Pupils with special educational needs in England will have access to more personalised learning as part of a new long-term strategy published today. The new strategy, 'Removing Barriers to Achievement', aims to focus on early intervention and support.
04 June 2015
Ministers Must Be 'Better Informed' On Police Cuts - NAO
The Home Office needs to be "better informed" on how to reduce police force funding in England and Wales, according to a recent report. The National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed funding decreased by £2.3 billion (25%) to police and crime commissioners between 2010-11 and 2015-16.
Ministers Must Be 'Better Informed' On Police Cuts - NAO
The Home Office needs to be "better informed" on how to reduce police force funding in England and Wales, according to a recent report. The National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed funding decreased by £2.3 billion (25%) to police and crime commissioners between 2010-11 and 2015-16.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
