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06/07/2006
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.
The report suggested that there was confusion over how pupils with special needs needs should be taught and called on the government to clarify its inclusion policy on educating special needs children in mainstream schools or in separate schools.
It claimed that the confusion was leading to the closure of special schools. However, the report also suggested that the need to perform well in league tables was leading to mainstream schools being unwilling to accept special needs pupils.
The report also said that there was a "postcode lottery" of the provision of education for special needs children.
The report recommended that more mainstream and special schools should join federations in order to share ideas on the subject.
It also said that ministers should ensure that top state schools admit their fair share of special needs pupils.
Responding to the report, Schools Minister Lord Adonis said that the government had no plans to close special schools unless there was alternative provision.
However, the Liberal Democrats education spokesperson Stephen Williams said that parents needed clarity about what their children were entitled to.
(KMcA)
The report suggested that there was confusion over how pupils with special needs needs should be taught and called on the government to clarify its inclusion policy on educating special needs children in mainstream schools or in separate schools.
It claimed that the confusion was leading to the closure of special schools. However, the report also suggested that the need to perform well in league tables was leading to mainstream schools being unwilling to accept special needs pupils.
The report also said that there was a "postcode lottery" of the provision of education for special needs children.
The report recommended that more mainstream and special schools should join federations in order to share ideas on the subject.
It also said that ministers should ensure that top state schools admit their fair share of special needs pupils.
Responding to the report, Schools Minister Lord Adonis said that the government had no plans to close special schools unless there was alternative provision.
However, the Liberal Democrats education spokesperson Stephen Williams said that parents needed clarity about what their children were entitled to.
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
