AM anger at special needs 'block'

Alun Cairns said his proposals would improve the categorisation of data

A Tory AM has said Education Minister Jane Hutt is "playing party politics" over a proposed measure - or Welsh law - for children with special needs.

South Wales West AM said his call for the Welsh Assembly Government to collect more information on youngsters' educational needs had been "blocked".

He said a similar measure in England was backed by Cardiff West MP and ex-Children's Minister, Kevin Brennan.

The assembly government said it was improving such data collection systems.

Under the new Government of Wales Act, the assembly government is now able to create its own legislation.

Some parents in Wales with children with special education needs say there is a postcode lottery in finding appropriate care for their youngsters.

We consider there to be no benefits to be gained by the assembly government supporting the proposed measure. Welsh Assembly Government

Mr Cairns said his proposal, the Special Educational Needs (Information) Measure, would allow enough information to be collected for the introduction of an "evidence-driven policy" on the issue.

He said it would give parents, schools and councils as much information as possible and identify all available training and on-going professional development to help teachers support children with special educational needs.

But in a meeting with Ms Hutt, he learnt the Labour-Plaid administration would vote against the measure he was presenting.

Mr Cairns said: "I cannot believe the minister and the assembly government are going to block measures designed to give children with special education needs the best start in life.

"Welsh children's charities are supporting this measure with enthusiasm, realising deficiencies in provision that exist need to be rectified.

Children's needs are assessed through the 'statementing' system

"The current system prevents the minister from taking a Wales-wide approach towards supporting the training and provision for the most vulnerable pupils in our schools.

"And the data that is collected is categorised under the broadest of headings. That is why I am seeking to improve the system through my measure.

"Although the minister claims the assembly government are bringing forward their own measure on this issue, she fails to understand they are completely unrelated."

But a Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "This is not a door shutting in Alun Cairns' face.

"The minister met with him and offered to involve him in discussions about taking this important agenda forward, taking account of his particular concerns and experience.

'Revised regulations'

"We consider there to be no benefits to be gained by the assembly government supporting the proposed measure.

"If the proposed measure were accepted at this stage, resources would need to be diverted from the existing and agreed policy agenda.

"We have already revised regulations to improve data collection and ensure more in-depth information is provided on pupils with SEN.

"One of the pilot projects [from April 2009] will focus specifically on quality assurance methods including outcomes for pupils, assessment, intervention and data collection.

"This will aim to provide a sound evidence-based approach to change that will engender trust amongst parents and professionals."