Written question asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 July 2000. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 July 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what guidance he issues to schools regarding the use of Ritalin; what recent representations he has received on the use of Ritalin. - Includes ref to practice guide 'Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs'.

Answer: Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what guidance he issues to schools regarding the use of Ritalin; [129957] (2) what recent representations he has received on the use of Ritalin. [129958] Jacqui Smith: My Department and the Department of Health have jointly issued a good practice guide, "Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs", which includes general advice for schools on dealing with medicines safely. It also provides guidance on drawing up individual health care plans for pupils with medical needs, which could include the use of Ritalin if appropriate. My Department has not issued other specific guidance to schools on the use of Ritalin, and we have not received any representations recently on this issue.

Secondary information