Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
A primary school in Hinckley, Battling Brook, has faced issues with damp classrooms leading to their closure. The school applied for funding through the condition improvement fund but was denied due to delays in data collection.
I am grateful to the Minister for his answer. I draw his attention to the process for getting some of that funding. Battling Brook is a small primary school in the heart of Hinckley. It has problems with damp classrooms falling into disrepair, making them unusable. The school applied to the condition improvement fund but was declined due to delays in data collection, marking it down and denying needed funding. Will the Minister look at this case and meet me so I can ensure Battling Brook receives the necessary funding?
The hon. Member has not been shy in lobbying me on these issues, but I would be very happy to meet him again. He will know that the Department provides advice and support on a case-by-case basis, and I am happy to discuss these issues with him further.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Two primary schools, Wreningham and Brooke, are still operating from portacabins due to previous government investment limitations.
Children at Wreningham and Brooke primary schools receive a first-class education but continue to be taught from portacabins. I thank the Minister for agreeing to meet me previously. Could he visit these two amazing schools?
The Government do not want any school to be left behind, including those in rural communities. We have invested significantly this year with almost £5.5 million for Norfolk county council to improve its estate, including Wreningham and Brooke primary schools. I look forward to meeting my hon. Friend.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Small rural schools in Cumbria face significant building repair needs but have limited budgets.
Small rural schools in Cumbria have some of the oldest buildings needing repairs and also constrained budgets. Will the Minister consider setting out a special budget aimed at tackling repair backlogs?
Ensuring schools and colleges get the resources and buildings they need is part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity. I would be very happy to meet him to discuss these issues further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify a special budget or timeline for addressing repair backlogs in small rural schools.
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Saint Benedict school needs rebuilding to become more sustainable, safe and secure. The neighbouring St Mary’s primary is recognised as the greenest in the UK.
I thank the Minister for his time discussing Saint Benedict's need for a rebuild for sustainability, safety and security. Will he visit both schools to see what has been achieved at St Mary’s and the opportunity for more progress at Saint Benedict?
I was very pleased to meet my hon. Friend to discuss Saint Benedict, which will benefit from transformed buildings through the school rebuilding programme. This Government have committed to continue and expand that programme to improve the school estate and give children the best start in life.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy