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9 Jan 2006 : Column 432W—continued
Secondary School Places
Mr. Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what provision is available to help pupils over the age of 16 but below the age of 18 years to find a secondary school place when they move into a new local education authority. [40541]
Jacqui Smith: There is no statutory duty on local authorities to provide post-16 education via secondary schools. Where they do, it is not necessary for pupils already in the school to apply formally for places in year 12 or year 13, though they may be required to meet specified minimum entry requirements.
Legislation gives parents the right to apply for a place for their child at any school providing post-16 education and if refused, they are entitled to appeal.
The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for planning and funding post-16 provision in England and has a responsibility under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 to ensure that all young people aged 16 to 18 have access to education or training through a school sixth form, or further education college or an Apprenticeship.
Sector Skills Bodies
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the Donated Asset Reserve in the Learning and Skills Council annual report and accounts 2004–05 is; and what guidelines cover its use. [36578]
Bill Rammell:
I have overall responsibility for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). However the operations of the LSC are managed and overseen by Mark Haysom, the LSC's chief executive. Details of the LSC's statutory accounts and the guidelines and policies they use for the donated asset reserve are a matter for the LSC. Mark Haysom has written to the hon. Member with further information. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.
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Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 22 December 2005:
I refer to your recent parliamentary questions in which you asked the Secretary of State a) what the donated asset reserve in the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Annual Report and Accounts 2004–05 is and what guidelines cover its use b) what the Government Capital Reserve in the LSC Annual Report and Accounts 2004–05 is and guidelines cover its use. I am pleased to provide the following information answering your questions below.
The Donated Asset Reserve reflects the current net book value of the fixed assets transferred to the LSC from the Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) when the LSC was set up. The Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance for 2004–05 provides further detail on the accounting for this reserve. The Government Accounting manual covers the management of assets.
The Government Capital Reserve reflects the current net book value of fixed assets acquired by the LSC. The Government Capital Reserve is credited with the amount of the grant that equates to the asset's acquisition cost. Notes 9 and 10 to the accounts provide further details on the fixed assets of the LSC. The Executive NDPBs Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance for 2004–05 provides further detail on the accounting for this reserve. The Government Accounting manual covers the management of assets.
Skills for Life Programme
Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much has been spent on the Skills for Life programme in each year since its inception. [40432]
Phil Hope:
I refer the hon. Member to table 13 of the NAO's report 'Skills for Life: Improving adult literacy and numeracy', 15 December 2004, which sets out estimated actual spend on Skills for Life from 2000–01. Copies of this report have been placed in the House Libraries. Confirmed spend for 2004/05 is not yet available.
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Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning Programme
Jeff Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether she has reviewed the effectiveness of the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme; and whether she plans to extend the current earmarked funding for SEAL. [40399]
Jacqui Smith: The Primary Behaviour and Attendance pilot, which included SEAL, has been evaluated by London University's Institute of Education. The evaluators found evidence of a positive impact on behaviour and learning. Their report is due to be published early this year.
As recommended by the Practitioners' Group on School Behaviour and Discipline, we are providing a further year's earmarked funding for the dissemination of SEAL. Standards Fund grants for 2006–07 will include £7 million for this purpose.
Student Grants
Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of students (a) applied for, (b) were granted in full and (c) were granted on an income-related taper student grants in each English local education authority area in the academic year 2005/06. [38296]
Bill Rammell: It is assumed that the question refers to the Higher Education Grant (HEG) introduced for new students in academic year 2004/05, and the question has been answered on this basis.
The number of new students in academic year 2004/05 in each English local authority (LA) who applied for support from the Student Loans Company (SLC), and the percentage of those receiving a full or partial HEG are shown in the table.
(111) Data for LAs whose returns are made by another LA on their behalf will be included in the data of the LA making the return.
(112) Numbers rounded to the nearest 10.
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It is not possible to provide the percentage of students applying specifically for a grant, therefore the total number of students applying for support has been provided. Students make a single application for student support and are assessed for all elements of the support package. They will receive a grant if they are assessed to be eligible and meet the necessary criteria.
Data on HEGs for 2005/06 will be available in summer 2006.
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