Industrial Action Impact on Children and Parents 2023-12-11
2023-12-11
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Teachers' strikes have caused significant disruption, leading to the loss of over 25 million school days last year. Parents and children are facing far-reaching consequences.
What steps she is taking to help reduce the impact of industrial action by teachers on children and parents?
Last year's strikes were one of the biggest outbreaks of industrial action in a generation. Over 25 million school days were lost, with far-reaching consequences across our society. We cannot afford a repeat of that disruption, and it is my duty to protect children's education. That is why we are consulting on minimum service levels to end further disruption to education, while providing certainty to parents.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline for implementing minimum service levels
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent's final degree papers were not marked due to strikes, jeopardizing her postgraduate course and employment offer. The situation was resolved only after direct intervention by the student's mother.
The issue extends to university students as well. My constituent's final degree papers were not marked this year because of industrial action. That put in jeopardy her postgraduate course and her employment offer. Her degree was issued only after her mother personally visited the dean of the university involved and demanded action. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that degree exam papers are marked on time in the current academic year?
Our young people should never be pawns in the disputes of adults. The behaviour of University and College Union members was disgraceful, and their actions caused untold disruption and stress for thousands of students. Although the higher education sector is independent of Government, the damaging impact of strike action cannot go unchecked. That is why we are consulting on minimum service levels in this sector, unlike the Labour party, which always bows to its union paymasters.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline for implementing minimum service levels in higher education
Disgraceful Behaviour
Labour'S Stance
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Industrial action is affecting many schools, particularly those with pupils having special educational needs. The Department of Education in Northern Ireland should also be involved.
It is a pleasure to be called to ask a supplementary to the first question. I am ever mindful of the importance that the industrial action finishes. Has the Secretary of State had any opportunities to discuss this with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland? I understand that she has no responsibility for Northern Ireland, but it is important that we work together to try to solve the problems of industrial action. It is affecting loads of schools, particularly those whose pupils have special educational needs. I am really concerned.
The hon. Member puts his finger on it. Industrial action has a massive impact, particularly on vulnerable children, those with special educational needs, and those in exam cohorts. I am always happy to share with my counterparts in the devolved Administrations, and I am very happy to share what we are doing on minimum service levels.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific opportunities or timeline for joint discussions
Opportunity To Discuss
Response accuracy