Six special free schools for pupils with autism and six more on the way? None for pupils with cerebral palsy? And you explain that, how, I wonder?
Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, Conservative) To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many free schools for autistic children have been set up in the UK; and how many such applications are currently being considered by his Department.
There are currently three open special free schools and three special free schools in the pipeline that cater specifically for autistic children.
There are also three open special schools and three special free schools in the pipeline that cater in some way for autistic children.
These schools are being set up by groups such as the National Autistic Society (NAS). NAS has one open free school in Reading and two in the pipeline, which will be located in Cheshire and Lambeth.
We are currently assessing the most recent round of free school applications. Successful applicants will be announced shortly.