Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to ensure that children of asylum seekers receive education.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that children of asylum seekers receive education. [136785] Beverley Hughes: It is Government policy that children of compulsory school age here as part of an asylum seeking family should receive education. This applies to all children, not just those whose parents are in receipt of support. Currently, with the exception of the small number of families who are detained, children are entitled to attend mainstream schools. For those who are detained a modular programme of education is provided at the relevant removal centre if detention is expected to last for more than a very short period. In the vast majority of cases, the detention of families with children will last for no more than a very short period, usually less than 14 days and often for only a few hours or days prior to removal. In respect of children placed in accommodation centres, the operators of the centres will be required to provide education to children which mirrors that provided in mainstream schools.

Secondary information