Clause 80
3:00 pm
John Hayes (Shadow Minister, Innovation, Universities and Skills; South Holland and The Deepings, Conservative)
As the hon. Lady said, the amendments and new clauses are important. They highlight the value of involving those with learning difficulties between the ages of 16 and 18 in opportunities that we want for other citizens. In principle, we are extremely supportive of legislation to improve the chances of disabled learners and those with learning difficulties. All learners must be given the chance to make the best of their aptitudes, interests and skills and, only by their doing that, can we build the just and cohesive society that we seek.
However, a couple of issues need to be dealt with. There is a debate about which apprenticeship schemes would in practical terms be available to different learners. It would certainly not be true that all apprentice schemes would be suitable for all sorts of learners. Those with particular learning difficulties or disabilities might find some apprenticeships either impossible or undesirable. I want to test the hon. Lady and the Minister on such matters.
New clause 10 would move disabled students aged 16 to 18 to the aegis of the SFA. Is that necessarily the best thing? Perhaps the new clause would not do that.