Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is growing evidence that smartphones in schools are harming behaviour, concentration and outcomes, but leaving it up to headteachers is driving inconsistencies, with only 11% of senior schools having an effective mobile phone ban.
Why has the government left it up to headteachers to enforce mobile phone bans despite growing evidence of negative impacts? Will the Secretary of State publish an assessment of the impact of a statutory ban?
The Government are completely clear and Government guidance is completely clear that mobile phones have absolutely no place in schools at any point throughout the day. Obviously, we continue to look closely to ensure that the guidance is enforced properly across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Publication of an assessment on statutory ban
Continuing To Look Closely
Ensuring Enforcement
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced a horrific sexual abuse case in one of her local nurseries.
Following a horrific sexual abuse case, will the Secretary of State introduce mandatory CCTV in nurseries as a safeguarding measure?
My thoughts remain with all the children and families who have been affected. The safety of our children comes first, so we are considering the mandatory use of CCTV in early years settings through the review we are getting under way rapidly.
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Assessment & feedback
Introduction of mandatory CCTV
Considering
Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Victims of Neil Foden, a former headmaster at Ysgol Friars who is now in prison due to sexual abuse charges, are demanding that his pension be forfeited.
When will the conclusion of whether Neil Foden continues to receive his pension while serving time for child abuse crimes be published?
I expect that to happen very rapidly.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Alex Foster, a teenager from Aylesbury, shared his experiences of social media with the MP, citing instances of exposure to violent content and inappropriate material.
Given Alex Foster's story about encountering beheadings, terrorist material, and explicit photos on social media despite parental intervention, does the Minister agree that we must go further in protecting young people online?
I agree that nothing is more important than the safety of our children. We are already taking world-leading action with the Online Safety Act 2023, and we have been very clear that nothing is off the table when it comes to children’s safety.
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Assessment & feedback
Further measures beyond the Online Safety Act
World-Leading Action
Online Safety Act 2023
Response accuracy