Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Thursday, 22 May 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 June 2008. It was answered by Lord Brennan of Canton (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Vocational Guidance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will make it his policy to support further development of the Skill Force charity's work in schools.

Answer: We value the contribution made by Skill Force and other organisations in helping to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our schools. It is the responsibility of local authorities and schools to commission high quality and effective alternative provision that assists children and young people to maximise their potential.We have recently published a White Paper ““Back on Track”” which sets out our strategy to transform alternative provision into a vibrant and successful part of the whole education system. We expect better and more strategic commissioning of alternative provision to help generate the conditions in which an effective market can operate, helping new providers to enter it and the better providers to expand their offerings.

Secondary information