To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will reclassify British Sign Language as a British language rather than as a learning for leisure course in further education colleges. (114921)

The sector subject areas of approved qualifications on the national qualifications framework are determined by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as part of the accreditation process. Sign language courses that are currently part of the national qualifications framework are assigned to the language, literature and culture sector subject area.

The sector subject area does not affect the eligibility for funding from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Sign language courses have not been reclassified for funding purposes and remain eligible for LSC funding.