Estimates Day - [3rd allotted day]Estimates Day

Called for nine careers encounters for young people instead of three. Advocated for teaching degree apprenticeships as a solution to teacher recruitment issues. Highlighted significant progress in skills and standards, but expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the catch-up programme and social injustices in education.

Agreed with Halfon's emphasis on ensuring universal support for families to give every baby a chance at a good start in life, without stigmatisation.

Congratulated Halfon and agreed that there should be a discussion about eligibility criteria for free childcare but pointed out practical challenges such as the inability of childcare providers to offer services at government rates, making it difficult for many families to afford.

Expressed surprise at low attendance for the debate on education recovery, particularly focusing on the National Tutoring Programme. Highlighted concerns about budget cuts and the programme's effectiveness in addressing learning loss among disadvantaged children. Questioned whether 10% target achievement by Randstad contractors was value for money. Raised issues of regional disparity, administrative complexity, teacher workload impact, financial burden on schools, and lack of parental engagement. Called for an ambitious support package including £15 billion investment as recommended by Sir Kevan Collins, with most funds going directly to schools and a third to parents in the form of catch-up vouchers.

Congratulates the Member for Harlow on securing the debate and acknowledges the challenges faced by children post-pandemic, focusing on academic recovery through tutoring. Supports the National Tutoring Programme but highlights issues such as supply and evaluation of effectiveness. Discusses adult education and the importance of residential colleges like Northern College. Emphasises that while education is crucial, it cannot solve all social problems, particularly mental health crises.

Intervenes to highlight the vulnerability of young people and the need for local schools to tailor solutions. Emphasises inconsistent access to technology and support for children with special educational needs.

Intervenes to stress the importance of addressing mental health catch-up alongside academic tutoring programmes, noting significant increases in mental health referrals among young children since lockdown.

Intervenes to suggest that looking after students' basic needs such as hydration and exercise is crucial for learning. Acknowledges the importance of tailored solutions within schools.

Thanked right hon. and hon. Members for their contributions, particularly the right hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) for securing the debate. Acknowledged that the percentage of teachers leaving the profession is alarming due to pay freezes and undervaluing by society. Raised concerns about the national tutoring programme's shortfall in reaching pupils and its impact on disadvantaged students. Criticised the Government's decision to spend only £1.4 billion on catch-up when Sir Kevan Collins recommended £15 billion, leading to underfunding and failure to deliver. Called for a review of the contract with Randstad and requested data on regional delivery, especially for pupils receiving free school meals. Highlighted the one-sided nature of the tutoring programme contract, which prioritised websites over children’s learning quality. Emphasised Labour's alternative proposals including small group tutoring and catch-up breakfast clubs. Criticised cuts to adult education funding and proposed solutions like apprenticeship levy funds and green transformation fund. Concluded by stating that while the Government needs to do better, they are failing to match their rhetoric with action.

Welcomed the opportunity to discuss Department’s plans for addressing challenges facing young people and adults in education. Acknowledged agreement with Labour's Munira Wilson on low attendance from Opposition side during debate. Emphasised teachers’ extraordinary commitment and dedication amid disruption caused by COVID-19. Outlined Secretary of State's priorities of schools, skills, and families, including focus on disadvantaged pupils through the pupil premium and recovery programmes. Discussed overall funding picture for 2021-22 with £82 billion Department for Education resource budget. Provided details on funding for additional needs and disadvantaged pupils in schools. Mentioned significant investment to support children with social workers, including extended role of virtual school heads and changes to the school admissions code prioritising vulnerable children. Highlighted support for care leavers, including bursaries and apprenticeship incentives. Discussed catch-up funding and tutoring revolution aimed at supporting education recovery. Provided figures on national tutoring programme participation since 2020, noting progress in delivery of high-quality tuition courses. Acknowledged flexibility built into operation to address challenges and improve take-up. Mentioned adult education investment with £3.8 billion more in further education and skills over the course of this Parliament. Discussed apprenticeships funding increase and range of standards available.

Asked for clarification on how much has been spent so far on the national tutoring programme, including the three individual strands: school-led, tutor-led, and mentoring parts of NTP.

Declared interest as someone who used to help deliver union learning in workplaces. Questioned whether decision to axe the union learning fund undermines any positive statements about skills, further education, and in-work learning.

Emphasised cross-party concern about the catch-up programme's effectiveness, advocated for utilising sugar levy funds to expand breakfast clubs for disadvantaged children, and called for a strategic education plan akin to those in other sectors.