To ask the Secretary of State for ealth what discussions his Department had with the (a) Department for Education and Skills, (b) the Social Exclusion Unit and (c) local authorities regarding the revision of educational targets for looked after children. [111045]

Officials in the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills have worked closely with the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) on all aspects of their project on the educational attainment of looked after children, including on the development of the new targets. The SEU's work has involved extensive written and oral consultation with key stakeholders, including local government. This consultation sought views on a wide range of issues affecting children in care, including the appropriate nature and level of targets for this group.