Academies: Special Educational Needs

Baroness Uddin Excerpts

Tuesday 16th December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

The noble Countess is quite right in that regard: for certain pupils, virtual learning is very appropriate.

[Baroness Uddin (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, the Equality Act talks of the need to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled people, while the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act enshrines the right to access “mainstream education”. Does the Minister agree that all children with special educational needs, such as autism, whether at an academy, a maintained school or a further education college, should encounter a curriculum and qualifications that are accessible and adjusted to their needs?

[Lord Nash]

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