Clause 45
12:45 pm
Nick Gibb (Shadow Minister, Children, Schools and Families; Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)
The Association of National Specialist Colleges is concerned about the use of the word “may” in subsection (1) of proposed new section 514A, which the clause inserts into the Education Act 1996. The association says:
“In order to safeguard learning opportunities and funding for the relatively small group of vulnerable learners with complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities who require specialist provision, in line with what is currently available, we believe that the Bill should not dilute former legislation about residential specialist college provision.”
It notes that the law previously required the LSC to secure boarding accommodation if—I quote from the Learning and Skills Act 2000—
“it cannot secure the provision of facilities for education or training which are sufficient in quantity and adequate in quality”.
It goes on to say that
“we do not believe that the current wording of the Bill is strong enough to safeguard and ensure this right for learners. We believe that this Bill must ensure that Local Authorities and the YPLA must secure residential specialist college provision where local schools and colleges cannot adequately or effectively meet a student’s learning and support needs.”
I would be grateful if the Minister addresses those very real concerns.