The Deputy will be aware that I have recently announced my Department's formal recognition of dedicated educational facilities for children with autism. Under the new arrangements special classes will be established to cater for children with autism, either within a special school setting or in an ordinary primary school. The pupil teacher ratio applicable is 6:1. Each class will also have the support of a child care assistant and receive capitation grant of £426 per pupil.
There are currently 34 special classes for children with autism, 19 located in special schools and 15 in ordinary primary schools. There are 34 teachers and 34 childcare assistants employed in these classes which have the capacity to cater for 204 children with autism. My Department does not have details of the exact numbers enrolled in these classes at present.
I am satisfied that the measures I have recently announced will address the needs of children with autism whether as part of a group or on an individual basis.