To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has issued guidance for schools on identifying foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in pupils; and if she will take steps to increase awareness of FASD among teachers.

Through delivery of the department’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision improvement plan, published in March 2023, the department will establish a single national system that delivers for every child and young person with SEND, so that they enjoy their childhood, achieve good outcomes, and are well prepared for adulthood and employment.

Pupils at school with medical conditions should be properly supported so that they have full access to education. In 2014, the government introduced a new duty on schools to support pupils with all medical conditions and has published statutory guidance intended to help governing bodies meet their legal responsibilities. This guidance sets out the arrangements they will be expected to make, based on good practice. Schools should ensure they are aware of any pupils with medical conditions and should have policies and processes in place to ensure these can be well managed.

The government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorder can have a significant impact on the early year’s development of children and their life chances. As a result, schools must use their best endeavours to make sure a child or young person gets the special educational provision they need, this includes monitoring the progress of pupils regularly and putting support in place where needed, including arranging diagnostic tests where appropriate.