Press Release
10th October 2002
Special Needs Kids
will get Fair Share of Schools Cash - Minister
Minister for Education
and Young People, Cathy Jamieson, has assured MSP for Greenock
& Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, that children with special needs
will not miss out on the extra money which is being invested in
Scotland’s schools.
Mr McNeil raised the issue with the Minister in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, following his visit to the Garvel Deaf Centre, Greenock on Monday 7th October. At the centre, a number of parents and pupils expressed their concerns over how the school renewal programme would impact on them.
Mr McNeil asked the Minister:
"This week, as part of sign language awareness week, I attended an event at the Garvel Deaf Centre in my constituency. I met parents and pupils who expressed their concern about future specialist provision. Will the minister assure me and my constituents that children with special needs will get their fair share of the extra cash that is being invested in our schools?"
The Minister responded:
"I am happy to give that assurance. I take the issue of young people with special educational needs very seriously. The member will know that, last week, we announced additional resources for local authorities over and above the inclusion programme to ensure that local authorities can prepare their accessibility strategies.
"Again, I met young people who have particular educational needs. They were clear that they welcome the changes that are being made; they want to be part of a school community and they welcome the work that we are doing.
"I am happy to confirm that, in intending to repeal the Schools (Scotland) Code 1956, we have made it clear that we agree that teachers who are working with young people with special educational needs should still require a specialist qualification. That is very important."
Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr McNeil said:
"I welcome the Minister’s assurance.
"All children –
regardless of whether they need specialist support or not –
have the right to realise their full potential in a modern, warm,
safe classroom."
ENDS
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