Education: Special Educational Needs

Debate between Lord Hill of Oareford and Lord Ramsbotham

Monday 25th June 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

That takes us a little away from autism, and it is the case that we need to think about the particular help that we put in place to help children with special educational needs and learning disabilities all the way up to the age of 25. I would not like to lose sight of that, as that is what lies behind the Question.

As for the university technical colleges, the Government have increased the number significantly. We have a number now going forward. We inherited one from the previous Labour Government, and I have been happy to build on that. Now, some 34 have been approved and are moving towards opening.

[Lord Ramsbotham]

My Lords, can the Minister confirm that support will also be given to those with special educational needs who are in the hands of the criminal justice system?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

Yes, my Lords. I know that that is a subject that the noble Lord, Lord Ramsbotham, feels very strongly about. He and I have had the chance to discuss that issue, and we need to do what we can to address those needs. It is obviously the case that special educational needs and behavioural issues often lie behind the reason why those young people are in those institutions in the first place.

Schools: Nutrition

Debate between Lord Hill of Oareford and Lord Ramsbotham

Wednesday 13th June 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ramsbotham]

My Lords, I declare an interest as the vice-chairman of the Institute for Food, Brain and Behaviour which is currently conducting work in a school in Dagenham replicating work that in young offender institutions reduced the offending rate by 40%. Will the Minister agree to invite the scientists from the Oxford Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics who are conducting this work to talk to his officials about what lessons are learnt from this very important trial which has implications for behaviour as well as for nutrition?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

My Lords, I am very grateful for the suggestion. Yes, of course.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Debate between Lord Hill of Oareford and Lord Ramsbotham

Thursday 22nd March 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ramsbotham]

My Lords, can the Minister confirm whether the instructions from the Cabinet Office will also include impact assessments in the post-legislative study of the impact of Bills such as the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which has been going through this House?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

I will need to check to find out precisely what areas that guidance covers. When I have an answer, I will reply to the noble Lord and tell him what I am able to.

Citizenship Education

Debate between Lord Hill of Oareford and Lord Ramsbotham

Tuesday 14th February 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

I agree with the noble Baroness, Lady Massey, that there is an overlap between the two, particularly at primary level. On where we have got to with our review, I know that she is keen for us to get to the sticking point. However, because of our need to take into account the report from the expert panel, the timescale for responding has moved back a little and we need to dovetail the PSHE review with the overall national curriculum review. We will bring that forward in due course.

[Lord Ramsbotham]

My Lords, what steps are being taken to increase citizenship education in young offender institutions and other places where children are held in custody?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

On the specific details of what is happening in institutions—I recognise the noble Lord’s concern about that, and I agree with him on the importance of this in prisons and young offenders institutions—if I may, I will follow this up with my colleagues to see if I can help him with some more specific information about those programmes.

Education Bill

Debate between Lord Hill of Oareford and Lord Ramsbotham

Tuesday 28th June 2011 Grand Committee

[Lord Ramsbotham]

May I say how much I welcome the announcement of the foundation years document? Will we have a chance to discuss it in the context of this Bill?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

I think that the Committee stage will have finished by then, but I am sure we can find another opportunity to discuss it.