Written question asked by Lynda Waltho (Labour) on Monday, 14 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 December 2009. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 7 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Pupils: Epilepsy

Question: (2) what recent discussions he has had with epilepsy representative groups to improve educational outcomes for children with epilepsy.

Answer: The Government are committed to closing the gap in educational achievement between children with special educational needs and their peers.The Department for Children Schools and Families and the Department of Health are currently engaged with key stakeholders, including those from organisations representing epilepsy, in developing revised guidance to schools on how to support children and young people with medical needs. The guidance will both support schools to develop policies in relation to managing the health needs of children and young people: this will include advice to teachers and support staff on how to administer medicines. We have a stakeholder meeting scheduled for January at which we will discuss how the organisations representing the conditions can enhance the guidance.In the Children's Plan progress report, we announced £31 million for the two-year Achievement for All project to improve outcomes for all children and young people with special educational needs and disability which would include children with epilepsy who have additional needs. The project is taking place in around 450 schools across 10 local authorities for two years from September 2009 until September 2011.

Secondary information