Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on investing in digital technologies to help integrate SEN children into mainstream schooling.

The Department for Education is interested in and aware of the opportunities technology presents throughout education, includingthe ways in which assistive technologies can support special educational needs (SEN) pupils, and is exploring how best to support schools in realising these opportunities.

Mainstream schools have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for children and young people who are disabled, which includes many of those who have SEN. This means that if pupils require specific technical equipment to enable them to access education on the same basis as their peers, schools must provide that equipment.

Decisions about investment in technologies for children and young people with SEN are made locally, by schools and local authorities.

Schools are expected to meet the first £6,000 of support for children with SEN from their budget. If costs are in excess of this amount, schools can apply to their local authority for top-up funding. Where a pupil has an Education, Health and Care plan, local authorities work with health and social care partners to deliver the special educational provision specified in the plan.