22
26,000 special education places, as the result of very rapid recent
expansion. It seems unlikely, however, that the White Paper target
of 50,800 places by 1985-86 will be achieved on time because many schools
have reached saturation point in their provision of special places
and most existing sponsors are stretched to their limits. Suitable
additional sponsors are extremely difficult to find and there is a
serious shortage of teachers who are both able and willing to
undertake this type of work, especially with mentally handicapped
children. A review of prevalence rates is now being undertaken and
this may well result in a revision of special education targets.
Appendix P gives details of special education provision by category.
2.34 Selection and allocation Most children progressing
through the education system face selection and allocation procedures
(varying widely in kind, purpose and quality) at all the major stages
of the system viz:
C
(a) at age 3 or 4 years: selection by interview
and formal or informal tests for entry to
kindergarten;
(b) prior to age 6 years: selection by interview and
formal or informal tests for entry to primary
school;
(c) at ages 11 12 years: allocation to public-
sector junior secondary education by means
of the Secondary School Places Allocation
Scheme;
(a) prior to 15 (with effect from 1981): selection
for public-sector senior secondary education
by means of the Junior Secondary Education
Assessment;