This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Stephen responds to special educational needs report
06/04/2001
Deputy Education Minister Nicol Stephen today set out the Executive's response to the Scottish Parliament's special educational needs (SEN) enquiry report.
Mr Stephen said:
"The Education Committee's report is a helpful contribution to the ongoing debate on what we can do to ensure that all children receive a quality education appropriate to their needs.
"Many of the Committee's recommendations complement work which is already being undertaken as part of the Executive's SEN Programme of Action.
"I welcome the Committee's view that young people with special educational needs and their families must be fully involved in decisions about placement and provision. Their support is vital if we are to make a success of educating children with special educational needs in mainstream schools. This is why we are investing significant new resources through the Inclusive Programme to ensure mainstream is properly supported. Children and their families need to know the range of new provision that is being made available.
"It is good to see an acknowledgement in the report of the Executive's strong commitment to supporting children with special educational needs and their families through Enquire - the national SEN information and advice service."
BACKGROUND
1. The Education Committee's enquiry report into special educational needs in Scotland was published on 6 February. It makes 19 recommendations aimed at improving support for children with special educational needs and their families.
2. Nicol Stephen, Deputy Education Minister, has written to Committee Convenor, Karen Gillon, welcoming the report. The report also acknowledges the Executive's support for staff development and training and the commitment to a review of assessment and recording procedures. A copy of the full Scottish Executive response is available from David Gow on 0131 244 5126.
News Release: SE0944/2001
6 Apr 2001