- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Angela Constance on 1 March 2013
To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are undertaking modern apprenticeships.
Answer
The Scottish Government does not collect this information.
Skills Development Scotland do not routinely collect information on whether apprentices have been in care. However, the Employer Recruitment Incentive which is available to support disadvantaged young people, including care leavers, was introduced at the start of 2012-13. The total numbers of individuals supported will be available at the end of the financial year.
Monitoring levels of apprentices with a disability, as defined by the Equality Act 2010, relies on self declaration by individuals to employers or training providers, either when applying for apprenticeship opportunities, or when they start training.
Skills Development Scotland advise that 0.4% of apprentices in training as at 31-12-2012 declared a disability. This figure of course does not include those apprentices who chose not to declare a disability.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in employment.
Answer
No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.
The Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from October 2011 to September 2012.
In Scotland it is estimated that there are 9,000 people aged 16 and over with learning difficulties or disabilities who are in employment. Approximately 23.0% of all those aged 16+ with learning difficulties or disabilities are in employment; this is not the same as the employment rate for this group as it is based on those aged 16+ including those beyond retirement age.
The APS is a population survey and so there is an amount of variability in this estimate.
Source: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics
Notes:
1. Level rounded to nearest thousand, percentage based on unrounded figures.
2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.
3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of higher education students comprises care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.
Answer
The Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) produces statistics for higher education students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Scottish Funding Council produces statistics for higher education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in higher education is for the academic year 2010-11.
Data on care leavers are not currently available from HESA or the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with HESA, the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.
The table below shows the number and percentage of higher education enrolments split by disability type.
Enrolments in higher education (HE) in Scottish HEIs and colleges by disability type: 2010-11
| Disability Type | Number of HE enrolments | Percentage of all HE enrolments |
| Blind or a serious visual impairment uncorrected by glasses | 525 | 0.2% |
| Deaf or a serious hearing impairment | 800 | 0.3% |
| A physical impairment or mobility issues, such as difficulty using arms or using a wheelchair or crutches | 820 | 0.3% |
| Personal care support | 20 | 0.0% |
| A mental health condition, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety disorder | 2,225 | 0.8% |
| A long standing illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy | 3,765 | 1.3% |
| Two or more impairments and/or disabling medical conditions | 2,100 | 0.7% |
| A social/communication impairment such as Aspergers syndrome/other autistic spectrum disorder (1) | 340 | 0.1% |
| A specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D | 9,400 | 3.2% |
| A disability, impairment or medical condition that is not listed above (1) | 3,145 | 1.1% |
| Not recorded | 3,800 | 1.3% |
| No known disability | 263,060 | 90.7% |
| Total HE enrolments | 290,000 | 100.0% |
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
Notes:
1 For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.
Enrolment numbers rounded to the nearest 5.
The vast majority of higher education courses have a duration of at least one academic year, therefore students generally enrol once per year. The number of HE enrolments is broadly comparable to the number of HE students.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties into further and higher education.
Answer
With the support of the Scottish Funding Council, a number of colleges and universities in Scotland have achieved, or are working with Buttle UK to achieve, the Buttle Quality Mark. This accreditation programme recognises the provision of systems of support relevant to care leavers.
We do not hold information on individual students and their particular support needs. Colleges and universities consider applications on a case-by-case basis and are required under Equalities legislation to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate students with additional support needs.
The Student Awards Agency for Scotland administers the Disabled Student’s Allowance which provides support to students studying a course of higher education. The Scottish Funding Council also provides additional funding to higher education institutions in the form of the Disabled Students Premium.
In further education, there are two additional funding streams available to institutions. Dominant Programme Group 18 (DPG 18) includes programmes which are specifically designed to meet the needs of students with learning difficulties arising from one or more specific categories of disability. Extended Learning Support (ELS) students study on courses outwith DPG 18 and this funding recognises that ELS students also have needs which arise from specific disability categories and which require additional expenditure on the part of the college. On an individual level, students can apply to their college for the Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in higher education.
Answer
The Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) produces statistics for higher education students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) produces statistics for higher education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in higher education is for the academic year 2010-11.
Data on care leavers is not currently available from HESA or the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with HESA, the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.
The following table shows the number of higher education enrolments split by disability type. Comparable population estimates are not available for these specific categories.
Enrolments in Higher Education (HE) in Scottish HEIs and colleges by disability type: 2010-11
| Disability Type | Number of HE enrolments |
| Blind or a serious visual impairment uncorrected by glasses | 525 |
| Deaf or a serious hearing impairment | 800 |
| A physical impairment or mobility issues, such as difficulty using arms or using a wheelchair or crutches | 820 |
| Personal care support | 20 |
| A mental health condition, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety disorder | 2,225 |
| A long standing illness or health condition such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or epilepsy | 3,765 |
| Two or more impairments and/or disabling medical conditions | 2,100 |
| A social/communication impairment such as Aspergers syndrome/other autistic spectrum disorder (1) | 340 |
| A specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or AD(H)D | 9,400 |
| A disability, impairment or medical condition that is not listed above (1) | 3,145 |
| Not recorded | 3,800 |
| No known disability | 263,060 |
| Total HE enrolments | 290,000 |
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
Notes:
(1) For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.
Enrolment numbers rounded to the nearest five.
The vast majority of higher education courses have a duration of at least one academic year, therefore students generally enrol once per year. The number of HE enrolments is broadly comparable to the number of HE students.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in post-16 education, employment and training.
Answer
No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.
The Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from October 2011 to September 2012.
In Scotland it is estimated that there are 15,000 people aged 16 and over with learning difficulties or disabilities who are in employment, education or training. Approximately 39.6% of all those aged 16+ with learning difficulties or disabilities are in employment, education or training; this is not the same as the employment rate for this group as it is based on those aged 16+ including those beyond retirement age.
The APS is a population survey and so there is an amount of variability in this estimate.
Source: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics.
Notes:
1. Level rounded to nearest thousand, percentage based on unrounded figures.
2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.
3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of further education students comprises care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.
Answer
The Scottish Funding Council produces statistics for further education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in further education is for the academic year 2010-11.
Data on care leavers are not currently available from the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.
The following table shows the number and percentage of further education enrolments split by disability type.
Enrolments in further education (FE) in Scottish colleges by disability type: 2010-11
| Disability Type | Number of FE enrolments | Percentage of all FE enrolments |
| Blind/partially sighted | 1,065 | 0.3% |
| Deaf/hearing impairment | 2,050 | 0.6% |
| Wheelchair user/mobility difficulties | 2,355 | 0.7% |
| Personal care support | 275 | 0.1% |
| Mental health difficulties | 4,035 | 1.2% |
| Unseen disability not listed elsewhere e.g. diabetes/epilepsy | 8,895 | 2.7% |
| Multiple disabilities | 4,230 | 1.3% |
| Dyslexia | 9,895 | 3.0% |
| A disability not listed above (1) | 10,315 | 3.1% |
| Not recorded | 34,695 | 10.5% |
| No known disability | 253,840 | 76.5% |
| Total FE enrolments | 331,650 | 100.0% |
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
Notes:
1. For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.
Enrolment numbers rounded to the nearest 5.
Some further education courses have a duration of less than one academic year, therefore students can enrol more than once per year. The number of FE enrolments will be higher than the number of students. Enrolments have been provided in this table to ensure comparability with the HE enrolment numbers provided in the answer to question S4W-12837 on 28 February 2013.
All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
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Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of people in employment comprises care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities.
Answer
No data is held centrally regarding the employment status of all care leavers.
The Annual Population Survey (APS) provides estimates of employment across Scotland; however the only data available for those specific conditions requested covers those who have any learning difficulties or disabilities. The latest APS data covers the period from October 2011 to September 2012.
In Scotland it is estimated that there are 9,000 people aged 16 and over with learning difficulties or disabilities who are in employment. It is estimated that they account for approximately 0.3% of all those aged 16+ in employment.
The APS is a population survey and so there is an amount of variability in this estimate.
Source: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics
Notes:
1. Level rounded to nearest thousand, percentage based on unrounded figures.
2. The sub-group of interest here is relatively small therefore this estimate is not as reliable as those for the total population aged 16+.
3. Learning difficulties and disabilities includes conditions such as dyslexia or dyscalculia; mental impairments or mental handicap.
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
-
Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
-
Current Status:
Answered by Michael Russell on 28 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government how many and what percentage of care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties and (e) learning disabilities are in further education.
Answer
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) produces statistics for further education students in colleges. The latest detailed data on students in further education is for the academic year 2010-11.
Data on care leavers is not currently available from the SFC. The Scottish Government is working with the SFC and institutions to ensure this information is captured in future years.
The following table shows the number of further education enrolments split by disability type. Comparable population estimates are not available for these specific categories.
Enrolments in further education (FE) in Scottish colleges by disability type: 2010-11
| Disability Type | Number of FE enrolments |
| Blind/partially sighted | 1,065 |
| Deaf/hearing impairment | 2,050 |
| Wheelchair user/mobility difficulties | 2,355 |
| Personal care support | 275 |
| Mental health difficulties | 4,035 |
| Unseen disability not listed elsewhere e.g. diabetes/epilepsy | 8,895 |
| Multiple disabilities | 4,230 |
| Dyslexia | 9,895 |
| A disability not listed above (1) | 10,315 |
| Not recorded | 34,695 |
| No known disability | 253,840 |
| Total FE enrolments | 331,650 |
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
Notes:
(1) For colleges, students with an autistic spectrum disorder are included in the category 'A disability, impairment or medical condition not listed above' as they are not reported on separately.
Enrolment numbers rounded to the nearest five.
Some further education courses have a duration of less than one academic year, therefore students can enrol more than once per year. The number of FE enrolments will be higher than the number of students. Enrolments have been provided in this table to ensure comparability with the HE enrolment numbers provided in the answer to question S4W-12837 on 28 February 2013.
All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
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Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2013
-
Current Status:
Answered by Angela Constance on 27 February 2013
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support care leavers and people with (a) autism spectrum disorders, (b) Asperger syndrome, (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and (d) social, emotional behavioural difficulties into employment.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting all young people with additional support needs who want to work, and it is our ambition that with the right support, they are able to find work in mainstream employment, taking account of their specific needs, and in line with their skills.
In support of this, the Scottish Government has:
Made a specific commitment to all 16 – 19 year olds seeking a place in education or training through Opportunities for All. This is supported by £30 million new investment;
Updated our Post 16 Transitions Policy and Practice Framework which includes specific guidance on how to support the transitions of young people with additional support needs from school into post-school education and employment; and
Provided £1.5 million over three financial years in support of an Employer Recruitment Incentive for 1000 young people within disadvantaged groups.
