DEPARTMENT FOR
EDUCATION AND SKILLS News Release (2007/0106) issued by The
Government News Network on 18 June 2007
Ministers today
launched a cross government strategy to support people with
learning difficulties and/or disabilities to achieve fulfilling
lives and further their education.
The Department for Education and Skills, Department for Work and
Pensions and the Department of Health have joined forces to
demonstrate their collective resolve to improve the outcomes for
all learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and
show their commitment to ensuring learners with learning
difficulties and/or disabilities are given the best chance to
achieve their full potential.
'Progression through Partnership' is the
Governments' joint response to 'Through Inclusion to
Excellence' known as the 'Little Report' and it
sets out plans for increased joint policy development,
improvements in provision and services, and workforce performance,
the development of joint evaluation and monitoring systems and
specific activities with delivery partners around issues requiring
immediate attention e.g. improved planning activity, looking at
courses at local colleges, and day centres, and improving the
quality of what is on offer.
Bill Rammell Minister for Lifelong Learning Further and Higher
Education said:
"The last ten years has seen great progress in our work with
learners with LDD. But we want to progress with even greater
achievements over the next ten years and through partnership with
our delivery partners such as the Learning and Skills Council,
Local Authorities and Job Centres I am confident we shall do this.
"The Strategy sets out what is expected of delivery partners
and the milestones over the next few years about the way in which
improvements will be made. The Strategy is practical and aims to
secure joint planning and action to ensure policy is made between
the three departments which will lead to employment outcomes for
learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities wherever
this can be achieved. All too often there is low expectation of
such learners and by building on some emerging effective practice
the three departments want to challenge attitudes and change this culture."
Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said:
"People with a learning disability have one of the lowest
employment rates of any group of disabled people. The launch of
this Strategy will play an important role in extending opportunity
to this group of people and ensure that greater numbers of those
who can and want to work have the chance to do so. I am confident
that the joint working to which we are committed will improve
opportunities for people with a learning disability."
Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis said:
"Supporting young people and adults with learning
difficulties and disabilities to achieve their educational aims
will help them to live fulfilling lives in their local communities
and particularly to go on to enter the world of work.
"The goal of this strategy, launched today is for all people
to have an equal chance to get the education they need and the job
that they want."
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