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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;