PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
EDUCATION FUNDING: SECTION 11 (27 June 1994)

That this House recognises the importance of ensuring all children have access to the National Curriculum; is concerned that Home Office section 11 funding to help children from minority ethnic groups whose first language is not English has been reduced by 18 per cent, nationwide, with further cuts planned for 1994-95; deeply regrets the loss of up to 2,000 teachers and other staff at present funded under section 11 to teach in schools and to organise home/school liaison and pastoral care; notes the Local Government (Amendment) Act 1993 extends the scope of section 11 funding which now includes, for example, refugee children; believes that future work will be threatened when about half of the section 11 funds are transferred to the single Regeneration Budget under the Department of the Environment without a guarantee that the money will be used for educational purposes; and calls upon the Government to review its funding policies to protect and increase the overall allocation of funds for meeting the educational needs of children from minority ethnic groups.

Sponsored by:
Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour)