Academies: Special Educational Needs

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Excerpts

Tuesday 16th December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

I agree entirely with the points the noble Baroness makes, particularly in relation to pupils with autism.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton (Lab)]

My Lords, the Minister gave the figures for percentage improvements. I did not hear any comparative figures between different bands of schools. I wonder whether he could make those figures available. A 13% improvement may lead to an equality of opportunity or may merely improve things. While he is writing about that, perhaps he will let me and the House know how many of those special needs improvement figures relate to the growing number of special needs pupils with behavioural problems who, in my experience, parents fear are being excluded on the grounds of the efficiency of the school, which has been referred to.

[Lord Nash]

I will write to the noble Baroness in the terms she requires. I can certainly tell her that she will find the headline figure she is looking for very reassuring.