Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific context provided, but the question pertains to recent discussions about educational initiatives.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with the Northern Ireland Executive on education?
Chances in life are set early. Although education is devolved in Northern Ireland, we must work together. That is why it was my privilege to bring the Minister for Early Education to Belfast recently to visit schools and to present to Northern Ireland Ministers at the East-West Council. We discussed the school twinning programme, the theme of which is “Reading for Pleasure”. As a new dad, I am reading quite a few baby books at the moment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete details about discussions with Northern Ireland Executive on education policies or specific initiatives.
As A New Dad, I Am Reading Quite A Few Baby Books At The Moment.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from independent research showing that nurture provision improves pupil outcomes.
As chair of the inclusion and nurture in education all-party group, I welcome the Northern Ireland Department of Education's independent research showing that nurture provision delivers measurable improvements in pupils' behaviour, attendance and attainment. What discussions are being had to share this good practice in inclusive education with the rest of the UK, including officials in England?
Just last month, I went with the early years Minister to visit schools that are really focused on being inclusive and nurturing for pupils, and my hon. Friend is totally right to highlight how this work can have such a positive impact on the children in our schools.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details about specific discussions or plans to share practices across the UK.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
No specific context provided, but the question pertains to knowledge and expertise exchange.
Does the Minister agree with me about the importance of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government sharing knowledge, expertise and best practice as we all seek to improve outcomes for children in all our schools?
I absolutely do. I have always said that this is not a case of cutting a cheque and walking away. There is work we can do with the Northern Ireland Executive, and we continue to share best practice. In fact, just this week I wrote to the Minister responsible for early years, my hon. Friend the Member for Reading West and Mid Berkshire (Olivia Bailey), to explore further opportunities for collaboration.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Last year, the Northern Ireland Office announced a £2 million allocation to support the integrated education sector.
At last year's spending review, the Northern Ireland Office announced a £2 million allocation to support the integrated education sector. Given that a range of schools in Northern Ireland have been offering an integrated educational ethos for many years, will the Government review that policy to support integrated education per se across a number of schools in Northern Ireland?
We support integrated education, and integrated schools are a really important part of that. I was recently at some shared education schools, at the request of the Minister, and I was impressed by some of the work being done there, but I do not think there is just one route for schools in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide information on reviewing or changing current policy.
But I Do Not Think There Is Just One Route For Schools In Northern Ireland.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Education Minister in Northern Ireland, Paul Givan, is piloting a scheme to introduce restrictions on students using smartphones.
I thank the Minister for his answers. The Education Minister in Northern Ireland, Paul Givan, has been keen to introduce restrictions on students using smartphones in schools, and he has a pilot scheme in place. The Government here are happy to do the same thing. Has the Minister had an opportunity to encourage the Education Minister in Northern Ireland to bring in smartphone restrictions in schools?
I was with the Minister for Education recently but this topic did not come up. Obviously, these matters are devolved and are for the Northern Ireland Executive, but I would be happy to speak to Minister Givan, as the hon. Member suggests.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not discuss whether there have been any opportunities or plans to encourage smartphone restrictions in schools.
These Matters Are Devolved And Are For The Northern Ireland Executive
Response accuracy