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Educational Settings
18 March 2020
Lead MP
Gavin Williamson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EducationEconomyTaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 68
At a Glance
Gavin Williamson raised concerns about educational settings in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Secretary of State for Education expressed his gratitude towards staff in educational settings who have been working tirelessly during the pandemic. He announced that schools will close after Friday except for children of key workers and those deemed vulnerable. The statement detailed measures to support these groups, including financial aid for free school meals, flexibility for institutions to cater to local needs, and a halt on routine inspections and assessments.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
The shadow education secretary welcomed the government's measures but questioned how they would be implemented. She sought clarity on several issues, including the provision of free school meals, support for children with disabilities and underlying health conditions, guidance for parents in isolation or at risk, protection of vulnerable staff members from work pressure, reassurances to casual contract workers, decisions regarding exams, support for childcare providers facing closure, guidance for higher education institutions, and resources for youth services. She urged the government to address these concerns and provide further statements on these matters.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Asked for flexibility in designating vulnerable children and key workers, suggesting schools work together where appropriate.
Neil Grey
17:25:00
Expressed gratitude to staff in the education sector. Questioned on childcare support for frontline workers, free school meals during closures, and how exams will be scored without disruption from closures.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Acknowledged discussions with Scottish Government. Mentioned working group established with private nursery sector. Considered direct payments for free school meals via DWP in consultation with Scottish Govt. Engaged Universities UK on exam alternatives.
Tim Loughton
17:25:00
Asked for guidance and discretion for schools regarding childcare arrangements, particularly for workers who need to continue going to work.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Noted the impact on parents' ability to pay bills if their children cannot attend school due to closures.
Edward Timpson
17:25:00
Inquired about whether vulnerable children include those in need or on a child protection plan, which would significantly increase the number of children eligible for schooling under current measures.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Asked for clarification on A-levels and university admissions processes, highlighting the concerns of disadvantaged students regarding their future.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Called for clarity and support for private nurseries, emphasising that they are essential for parents, especially mothers, to return to work. She raised concerns about unequal assistance compared to pubs and retail sectors.
Pressed the Secretary of State for clear guidance on eligibility criteria for private nursery support and asked for clarity regarding non-local authority youth groups and clubs.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Asked about provisions for parents of children at special needs schools, who will face difficulties due to school closures.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Inquired if the voucher system would cover future eligibility changes due to economic downturns and emphasised that it had always been problematic for people to get on the right benefits to claim free school meals.
Asked about the guidance expected for A-level and GCSE students and how long they should expect before receiving precise information.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Requested more information on advice given to universities regarding international students and visa rules, expressing concern that online learning might lead to penalties for these students.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Asked about the definition of key workers and vulnerable children as mentioned by the Secretary of State and how society will exercise its duty of care towards them.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Raised concerns for constituents living in overcrowded households, where social distancing is impossible. Asked for guidance on what parents can do to look after children from Friday onwards while adhering to social distancing measures.
Asked for clarification regarding special educational needs schools and their status under the new guidelines. Also inquired about apprenticeships and eligibility criteria post-school closures.
Inquired about discussions with the Education Minister of Northern Ireland and requested assurances that these discussions will continue if there is a review of the decision.
Asked for involvement of teachers in decision-making processes regarding children without social workers or EHC plans. Suggested pressing for teachers and social workers to be included as key workers.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Acknowledged that teachers and social workers will be included as key workers. Emphasised the importance of following scientific advice to limit virus spread by reducing the number of children in educational settings. Acknowledged calls for flexibility but prioritised public health. Mentioned plans to look into a more conventional system for free school meals delivery. Addressed questions regarding special schools, childcare support, financial aid for parents, and GCSEs. Highlighted existing measures such as guaranteed funding for nurseries regardless of pupil numbers.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement about the voucher system but criticised its lack of detail, expressing concerns over how vouchers will be redeemed and their effectiveness in providing food to children living in poverty.
Asked for clarification on support for very special schools’ students during closures, highlighting the challenges faced by these students and their working parents.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Expressed concern about financial support for all parents in situations where work must be stopped to care for children. Asked if the Government will look at urgent financial aid or free childcare options.
Asked whether schools could open before the end of the year and raised concerns over defining key workers, particularly those in food distribution sectors.
Houghton and Sunderland South
Requested additional financial support for nurseries beyond the continuation of funded places, stressing the risk of staff layoffs if not provided quickly enough.
Expressed gratitude towards all those involved in keeping schools open and asked about rural areas' school transport provision.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Asked about the Department for Education’s helpline overwhelmed with questions and raised issues regarding EHCPs, suggesting that all pending applications should be granted immediately to support vulnerable children.
Inquired about plans for GCSEs and A-levels in light of school closures, asking how the emotional impact on students will be managed during this period.
Asked for guidance to councils regarding new measures announced by the Chancellor and questioned the support available for supply teachers who lack permanent contracts.
Greg Clark
Con
Ilford South
Asked the Secretary of State to urge the Prime Minister and Chancellor to address the economic impact on employees immediately by providing support for wages across the economy.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Expressed concerns about the lack of provisions in the statement for those sitting vocational assessments, further education students, and vulnerable children without EHCPs. Requested clarification on what constitutes 'vulnerable children' and the impact of school closures on them.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Asked whether children will continue receiving education during school closures, inquired about support for schools to deliver remote teaching, and asked how parents can assist with home learning.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central
Inquired about the payment status of various types of school staff including lunchtime supervisors, caretakers, and cleaners in light of the Secretary of State's statement on teacher payments.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asked how young people will be persuaded to stay at home during school closures amid the social pressures they face.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Questioned whether preparations had been made for the closure of schools, asking about the list of key workers who can send their children to school next week or after Easter holidays.
Andrew Lewer
Con
West Suffolk
Highlighted the willingness of independent education sectors to help and asked whether boarding schools will continue caring for remaining boarders, especially international ones.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Commented on the impact of exam cancellations on students' futures and inquired about the appeal process timeline regarding exam results.
Ben Bradley
Con
Hucknall
Asked how schools can provide routine and educational support at home, and what the Department can do to promote existing education technology resources for parents.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Inquired about the status of special needs schools such as Gibside during school closures and requested support for staff at these institutions.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Asked what university students will pay for their tuition fees and whether there are plans to change the current fee system due to online learning during closures.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Discussed the impact of school closures on children in poverty, asking about free school meals and broadband access for students with home learning needs.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Discussed working with local authorities on meals for children and addressing the digital divide. Advised parents not to take advantage of grandparents who are more vulnerable due to age or underlying health conditions. Mentioned plans to publish further advice on A-levels next week and ongoing discussions with Universities UK to ensure fair university admissions. Acknowledged concerns about NHS staff and committed to ensuring hospital functions continue, even in Wolverhampton. Confirmed the Department's consideration of measures for children living in severely overcrowded conditions and invited further suggestions from MPs. Addressed ratios and class sizes issues by stating that flexibility may require changes in school attendance. Discussed financial support for universities affected by the pandemic, including those facing international student enrollment challenges. Noted plans to work with local education authorities and schools commissioners for flexible provision of education during the crisis.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Asked about the advice given regarding parents keeping children away from grandparents who are more vulnerable due to age or health conditions.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Inquired about details on alternative A-level assessments and updates on university admissions discussions with Universities UK to ensure fairness.
Expressed concerns about the implications of school closures for NHS staff capacity in hospitals like New Cross, Wolverhampton.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Requested a clear timetable on A-level and GCSE announcements to reassure students. Highlighted the problem of children living in severely overcrowded conditions and asked for information about support measures for vulnerable children.
Asked if children could continue attending their current school despite changes due to the virus spread, focusing on small schools like Zetland Primary School in Redcar.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Inquired about financial support for universities facing challenges due to reduced international student enrollment.
Asked if children of key workers in Kettering's six secondary schools would be educated within their current schools or combined into one educational setting.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Inquired about the continuation of free school meals for children currently entitled to them and asked what is expected from vouchers provided for this purpose.
Asked if emergency coronavirus legislation will allow schools flexibility in adapting to difficult times through disapplying certain restrictions and regulations.
Inquired about the status of early years settings, including childminders and nurseries, and asked for guarantees on staff pay if such settings close.
Asked about supporting vulnerable children through voluntary groups, suggesting breakfast clubs as a model.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Expressed concern over the impact of key workers being parents on employment rates. Urged prioritisation of community cafés for vouchers and raised concerns about online education provision in comparison to France. Highlighted the financial challenges faced by higher education institutions, specifically universities.
Welcomed measures reducing risk of virus spread while allowing NHS workers who are parents to stay on duty. Suggested schools could deliver packed lunches to homes of pupils on free school meals as a model for other schools.
Erith and Thamesmead
Asked about direct support from the Government to higher education institutions, changes in student finance payments, decision-making processes regarding degrees, and support for international students.
Inquired about expected services during Easter holidays for vulnerable children and key workers’ children, suggesting engagement activities should be provided by schools.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Asked how the Secretary of State would support organisations like Feeding Bristol to facilitate meal distribution in individual places rather than collective settings during summer schemes.
Inquired about the process for organising school clusters, especially in central London, and who will take the lead—local authority or regional schools commissioner.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Called for a financial response to reduce additional strain on families, including income replacement suggestions. Suggested plans should set out support for the child protection workforce and conduct risk assessments of challenges faced by children in crisis.
Paid tribute to teachers’ work over the last few weeks. Inquired about reimbursement for additional costs incurred by schools providing free school meals post closure and requested priority access to supermarkets if voucher schemes are used.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Asked if schools will be supported to meet extra staffing costs due to the decision to care for key workers' children during Easter holidays, as many school support staff are term-time only employees.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Paid tribute to schools and Hull City Council’s plans for dealing with children receiving free meals in case of closure. Suggested increasing child benefit by £10 as a way to provide extra money into families.
Claudia Webbe
Lab
Leicester East
Expressed concerns about nurseries in her constituency facing severe financial strain and unable to survive without fee income. Called for assurances from the Government to protect nursery workers' income during the crisis.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Announced that the government would continue guaranteeing funding to early years settings and nurseries regardless of roll numbers. Also mentioned plans for business rate relief to support nurseries during the crisis.
Sam Tarry
Lab
Redbridge
Welcomed provisions for key workers, including childcare commitments but expressed concern about funding gaps based on private top-up fees in nurseries. Asked the Secretary of State to provide more detail regarding bridging this gap and ensuring nursery staff are not laid off.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Asked for additional assistance for Ealing, which has suffered significant cuts under the current government. Inquired about the future of libraries, exams, sixth-form admissions based on predicted grades rather than actual results.
Tracy Brabin
Lab
unknown constituency
Raised concerns regarding the Chancellor's reassurances to creative industries that insurance companies would cover losses due to pandemics. Stressed the lack of clarity and anxiety over whether businesses could actually make claims under such policies.
Government Response
Announced continued funding guarantees for nurseries irrespective of roll numbers. Mentioned plans for business rate relief to help mitigate financial strain.
Shadow Response
Angela Rayner
Shadow Response
The shadow education secretary raised several critical questions regarding the government's approach to the educational response during the pandemic, emphasising the need for clear guidance and support mechanisms for all vulnerable groups affected.
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