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Commonwealth (National Curriculum)
Lorna Fitzsimons: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will include study of the Commonwealth in the planned citizenship module of the national curriculum. [90111]
Mr. Charles Clarke: The proposed framework for citizenship sets out programmes of study to help pupils become informed, active and responsible citizens, which at Key Stages 3 and 4 covers knowledge and understanding of the challenges of global interdependence and responsibility. This offers an opportunity for study of the Commonwealth.
Primary School Inspections
Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what representations he has received about lay inspectors heading inspections of primary schools; [90289]
- (2) what training is received by lay inspectors heading inspections of primary schools; [90290]
(3) what proportion of inspections of primary schools is headed by lay inspectors. [90291]
Ms Estelle Morris: The registration and training of inspectors who conduct school inspections contracted-out by Ofsted is a matter for Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools. He announced in 1996 that an opportunity would be provided for experienced lay inspectors with appropriate skills to become Registered Inspectors and therefore be eligible to lead school inspection teams. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member and place a copy of his letter in the Library.
Transmitter Masts
Mr. Barry Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what guidance he has given to those schools which have transmitting masts on their premises concerning the impact of these masts upon the health of pupils, professional staff, ancillary staff and the general public; and if he will make a statement; [90365]
- (2) how many schools, primary and secondary, have approached him concerning the health and safety consequences of transmitting masts on schools premises regarding pupils, staff and the general public; and if he will make a statement; [90366]
(3) what research he has commissioned into the potential health hazards of transmitting masts on school premises; and if he will make a statement. [90367]
Mr. Charles Clarke:
The National Radiological Protection Board--which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health sponsors--is responsible for advising the Government on radiological protection
8 Jul 1999 : Column: 636
matters. The Department has not separately issued advice to schools or commissioned research on the impact of these masts.
Since July 1997, the Department has received two letters from schools, 25 letters from members of the public and six letters from hon. Members about the possible health effects of radio transmitters on school premises. Of these 33 letters, 31 were received during the past two weeks. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a number of representations at his constituency office in Sheffield.
We take very seriously the recent public concern about the siting of these masts on school premises and the possible health risks to children. Discussions are taking place urgently with the other Departments involved to see what further research and guidance or other action may be necessary.
Mr. Drew:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what support has been given to schools to enable them to become accessible to those with disabilities. [88972]
Mr. Charles Clarke:
Each year we have increased substantially the resources available for the Schools Access Initiative, to invest in making mainstream schools more accessible to those with disabilities and sensory impairments. For the three years from April 1999 we will be allocating a total of £100 million of new money. The £20 million we have allocated this year will improve access for pupils in over 1,600 schools.
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects the Disability Rights Commission to be fully operational. [89711]
Ms Hodge:
Subject to Parliament enacting the Disability Rights Commission Bill, which had its Report and Third Reading in this House on 30 June 1999, Official Report, columns 365-400, we expect the Commission to begin operations in April 2000. Initial planning for the establishment of the Commission has begun. However, much of the work cannot commence until after Royal Assent of the Bill and when the Chairman, Chief Executive and Commissioners have been appointed. It will be for them to decide the range of services available from its operational date.
Mr. Field:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many state school teachers there are aged between (a) 21 and 25, (b) 25 and 30, (c) 30 and 35, (d) 35 and 40, (e) 40 and 45, (f) 45 and 50, (g) 50 and 55, (h) 55 and 60 and (i) 60 and 65 years. [90088]
Ms Estelle Morris:
The information requested is contained in Table 26 of the publication "Statistics of Education: Teachers: England and Wales: 1998 Edition". A copy of this publication is available in the Library.