Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the definition of "full-time education" in relation to special educational needs at each stage of the education system.

Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 provides that the parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and (b) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise, but there is no definition of full-time education in education legislation.

There are regulations covering the number of days (190) a year that maintained schools must be open, but no requirements as to the number of hours per day.