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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what differences there are between the methods of delivering special needs education in integrated and mainstream schools; [163605] (2) what provision for special needs education is made in the (a) integrated and (b) mainstream sector. [156104] Mr. Gardiner: The assessment process and the provision put in place to meet a child's special educational needs (SEN) are determined by the needs of the individual and not the school sector in which the child is placed and there is therefore no difference across sectors in terms of the nature of support provided. Each Education and Library Board is responsible for Statements of Special Educational Needs for pupils resident in its area. The Board will meet the educational costs associated with the Statement in respect of pupils in maintained schools and in controlled schools (including controlled integrated schools). The cost of the educational provision in Statements for children in grant--maintained integrated (GMI) schools is met by the Department because it has direct funding responsibility for these schools. In addition, resources are allocated to schools (including GMI schools) through the various LMS formulae to assist pupils with special educational needs who do not require a Statement.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

420 c578-9W; 163605;156104

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Finance Northern Ireland Schools Special educational needs Teaching methods

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk