To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of any guidance issued to local authorities on behavioural management techniques.

General guidance on Special Educational Needs is contained in the Scottish Executive Manual of Good Practice for all staff and professionals involved with children and young people with special educational needs which was issued in January 1999. Further information on good practice in behaviour management techniques can be found in the publications Taking a Closer Look at Promoting Social Competence and Sharing Good Practice , both Scottish Executive-funded projects. In addition, the Scottish Executive conference on Alternatives to Exclusion, held on 17 January 2000, provided the forum for local authorities to exchange theories and best practice on topics including behaviour management. The conference report to be published in March was sent to all authorities for dissemination to staff and other professionals.