Topical Questions 2022-05-23

2022-05-23

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The UK's education export was estimated at over £25 billion in 2019. The Education Minister announced that 132 Education Ministers from 110 countries are participating in the Education World Forum.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities, noting the UK's education export is valued at over £25 billion and the Education World Forum has attracted significant international interest with 132 Education Ministers in attendance from around the world.
The United Kingdom's education export was estimated at over £25 billion in 2019. I am delighted that 132 Education Ministers from 110 countries around the world are in town today to join us at the Education World Forum this week.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
A parent from Holbeck Avenue expressed concern about the lack of sixth form provision at The Bolsover School, leading to high costs for students wishing to study A levels elsewhere.
Last week I received an email from a parent on Holbeck Avenue in Bolsover saying there is no 6th form available at The Bolsover School and pupils have expensive bus rides to other schools. Does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State share my passion for ensuring post-16 education in the Bolsover constituency?
My hon. Friend and I met on 9 May to discuss access to the full range of post-16 education in his constituency. I asked my officials to look into the matters raised at that meeting. I know my hon. Friend is a champion of this issue and has looked at the evidence, and I will write to him very shortly.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Bridget Phillipson Lab
Houghton and Sunderland South
Context
The Schools Bill grants sweeping powers to the Secretary of State over school operations. The question challenges whether this reflects a recognition that previous government approaches have failed.
The Schools Bill gives the Secretary of State sweeping powers over the operation of our schools. Does that mean that he recognises that the Government's approach to school improvement over the past 12 years has failed?
Quite the opposite. The hon. Lady clearly does not follow the evidence. If she looked at it, she would see that families of schools in high-performing multi-academy trusts have delivered better outcomes for their students. Whether they are Church of England schools, Catholic schools or grammar schools, they are all joining us on this journey, and I invite her to do the same.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not acknowledge any failure in previous approaches but rather defended current policies.
Deflecting Criticism Challenging Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Bridget Phillipson Lab
Houghton and Sunderland South
Context
The question challenges the Secretary of State to invest more in children's recovery from the pandemic, noting concerns about cost-cutting measures by headteachers.
Headteachers are telling us they are having to cut back on staffing, school trips and even pens and paper. As costs soar and the national insurance rise comes into effect, the Secretary of State is still failing to invest in our children's recovery. Experts have lined up to tell him the damage his inaction will cause, not just to our children's future but to Britain's future success. What will it take to convince him to put our children first?
I do not know whether the hon. Lady was listening when I talked about the 7% cash increase in the budget for schools this year compared with last year—that is £4 billion going to our schools. By 2024 we will be investing £56.5 billion in education. Of course money makes a difference, but if she visits Hammersmith Academy she will meet a great leadership team who are delivering for their students—60% of whom get the pupil premium—because leadership matters. I wish her luck in her leadership campaign.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister provided statistics but did not directly address the specific ask regarding increased investment and cost-cutting measures.
Challenging Opposition
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
There is a need to increase apprenticeship opportunities for those with learning difficulties, particularly in small companies.
Apprenticeships are a terrific opportunity for those with learning difficulties, due to the vocational nature of the training, but we need more such opportunities. Where there is a surplus of funding from the apprenticeship levy allowance, will the Minister consider directing it at incentivising smaller companies to provide apprenticeships, thereby ensuring parity of opportunity for those with learning difficulties, such as those with 22q11 deletion syndrome?
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. We certainly want an increased number of learners with disabilities starting apprenticeships. Working with Disability Rights UK, our disabled apprentice network provides valuable insight into attracting disabled people to apprenticeships and retaining them on them. We also offer financial support for employers and providers that take on apprentices with additional needs.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific commitment regarding directing surplus funds but acknowledged the desire for more opportunities.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The Government's approach to Brexit has created uncertainty regarding the UK's ability to associate with Horizon Europe, a key issue for research collaboration.
This Government's oven-ready Brexit deal allows the UK to associate with Horizon Europe, but because of the faffing around over their Northern Ireland protocol, there is still no certainty about this association. When will this Government stop treating research as a Brexit bargaining chip and provide assurance to our researchers that funding and collaboration are safe?
This Government have always been clear about our desire to secure a good relationship with Horizon and the huge benefits that the UK's world-leading universities can bring the scientific community in that respect. We have made a clear offer to the EU, and it is for the EU to come forward and engage with us.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide assurance or commitment regarding Horizon Europe association but rather shifted focus to the EU's role.
Shifting Responsibility Challenging Opposition
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Context
The Burton and South Derbyshire College is an example of innovative learning techniques for training scientists and engineers. The question seeks a commitment to further investment.
Burton and South Derbyshire College is a fantastic example of a higher education facility using innovative learning techniques to inspire and train tomorrow's scientists and engineers. Will the Secretary of State commit to investing more in higher education facilities to ensure that young people get the learning and experience they need to progress into sought-after, well-paid careers?
I was delighted to visit that excellent college in my hon. Friend's constituency and to see the fantastic work being done there. She will be pleased to know that we are investing £450 million of capital funding in higher education providers over the next three years, and that £400 million of that will be targeted on strategic priorities such as high-cost science, technology, engineering and maths and degree apprenticeships, for which providers can submit their bids until 27 June.
Assessment & feedback
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Q8 Partial Answer
Context
Families in constituencies face high childcare costs that can negate the financial benefits of working, preventing access to childcare services.
A few minutes ago, the Minister told the House what the Government are doing about pre-school childcare, but what does he say to families in constituencies like mine, where the financial benefits of going into work are swallowed up by childcare costs, or people do not even access childcare because they cannot afford to?
As I said, we spend over £5 billion a year on supporting parents with childcare costs. This year alone, we are putting an extra £160 million into the sector. The important thing is to make sure that the existing entitlements are being taken up, and as the hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Helen Hayes) rightly pointed out, we need as a House to ensure that our constituents are aware of what they may be entitled to.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address families overwhelmed by childcare costs directly; focused on existing support programmes and awareness campaigns instead
Under Review Looking At This
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister has been quoted as supporting grammar schools, and the Secretary of State mentioned spreading their influence. The questioner seeks to expand opportunities for children in Teesside and Stoke-on-Trent.
The decision to scrap grammar schools was once described as a real tragedy for this country... they are a very important part of the mix in our educational system... and they should be supported. I completely agree with the Prime Minister and I am glad that the Secretary of State is also so supportive, saying that he wants to spread the DNA of grammar schools across the education system and give them a special status to retain academic selection in the upcoming Schools Bill, but it is not right that children in Teesside and Stoke-on-Trent do not have the same opportunities as a child in Kent or Stratford-upon-Avon, so will the Government support my right hon. Friend's views?
The Schools Bill will protect grammar schools. However, we have 165 grammar schools, and 90 of them are already playing their part in those families of schools in multi-academy trusts. We have a system with 22,000 schools.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question about expanding opportunities for grammar school education to regions like Teesside and Stoke-on-Trent; instead focused on existing statistics
Changed Subject General Statement
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Vicky Foxcroft Lab
Lewisham North
Context
The government has published a list of BTECs that it plans to scrap, impacting many disadvantaged students who previously benefited from these qualifications.
Last week, the Government published a list of BTECs that they intend to scrap, and impact assessments show that 27% of BTEC students are deemed the most disadvantaged. I was one of those students, and a BTEC got me back into education and on to university. T-levels will not appeal to all those students. Assessors are making decisions affecting the lives of thousands of young people, so can the Minister confirm who these assessors actually are?
We have a range of independent assessors going through the process. The consultation process will last the next few months, and we intend to publish the final list of qualifications to be defunded to make way for our world-class, gold-standard T-levels in September, thereby giving colleges two years to prepare.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify who the assessors are or how their decisions impact students; focused on consultation and future plans instead
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
David Simmonds Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Context
The schools White Paper discusses statutory safeguarding arrangements for schools.
I was reminded, on a recent visit to the excellent Warrender Primary School in my constituency, how important schools are to safeguarding. Can my right hon. Friend tell me what plans will be put in place, through the schools White Paper, to ensure that schools continue to play a central part in statutory safeguarding arrangements?
Schools are under a statutory duty to co-operate with the arrangements set out by local safeguarding partners, and we have asked safeguarding partners to review how they work with schools in all their areas. We requested that all local areas review that following the Ofsted review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timelines for statutory safeguarding; focused on current duties and reviews instead
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Universities in the UK are collaborating with their counterparts in Ukraine to continue virtual lectures during wartime.
Universities right across the UK have been teaming up with our counterparts in Ukraine, not only to try to ensure that institutions still exist when the war is over, but to deliver lectures to students virtually. What discussions has the Minister had with his colleagues across Government about supporting this impressive initiative, so that it can continue?
Supporting Ukraine's education system is a priority for us all, as is supporting children and young people who come from Ukraine. The Minister for Higher and Further Education has been working closely with the sector, and I have been working across the schools piece to make sure that our education sector is as well placed as it can be to support Ukrainian students.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on discussions; focused on general support for UK-Ukraine educational initiatives instead
Working Closely
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Context
The questioner notes the technical knowledge required for farming and asks how to introduce an interest in farming among students.
Farming has a very important role in my constituency, and I am amazed by the amount of technical knowledge that is needed these days. What more can the Department do to introduce an interest in farming in schools?
I am delighted to be able to tell my hon. Friend that from September next year, the T-level in agriculture will be available. I hope she will be promoting it in South East Cornwall.
Assessment & feedback
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Q14 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Context
There is a shortage of special education needs school places in many areas, causing difficulties for local authorities.
In my constituency, there are simply not enough school places for children with special educational needs. What is really needed is a new school to increase capacity. What conversations has the Department held with local authorities to establish in which areas there is the most need for special schools, and where a new school would deliver the most benefit?
Over the course of the spending review period, we have secured an additional £2.6 billion for special and alternative provision places, with £1.4 billion of that being made available this year. The hon. Lady should speak with her local authority to make sure that provision is covered.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific question about conversations with local authorities; instead referenced general funding and encouraged speaking directly with the local authority
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Julian Lewis Con
New Forest East
Context
A ban on indoctrinating children with partisan political views was proposed, and the questioner compares this to current educational concepts such as identity politics.
Last Friday was the 36th anniversary of the rebel amendment in the House of Lords proposed by Lady Cox, which banned the indoctrination of schoolchildren with partisan political views. Does the Secretary of State accept that the concept of anti-nuclear education, and of anti-imperialist education, which led to that ban, are to be compared with the concepts of vicious identity politics and of the decolonisation of subjects, which rightly fall foul of the legislation he cited?
My right hon. Friend raises a very powerful point, and he is quite right: children should be taught how to think, not what to think.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the comparison between past partisan indoctrination and current educational concepts; provided a general statement on teaching principles instead
Broad Principle
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
27% of children live in poverty according to Child Poverty Action Group, affecting 8 out of 30 students in a classroom negatively.
The Government's programme fails to address shocking levels of child deprivation and inequality. What discussions have you had with the Chancellor for emergency interventions?
Government actions worth over £22 billion this year include doubling the household support fund, changing universal credit taper rate, and extending the holiday activities and food programme by £200 million annually.
Assessment & feedback
Specific emergency interventions not detailed
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
Diptford Church of England Primary School is operating from a village hall due to damaged buildings. They require new permanent structures.
The school requires funding for new buildings instead of temporary repairs. Will the Schools Minister meet me to secure funds?
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend.
Assessment & feedback
Specific funding and meeting details not provided
Meeting Instead Of Direct Answer
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Helen Morgan Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Context
40% of closed schools are rural. Small community schools fight for survival despite being vital to their communities.
What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that rural schools stay open?
We have a presumption against closure for rural schools. A fairer funding formula ensures they are funded according to current cohorts and sparsity.
Assessment & feedback
No commitment on specific steps or timeframe
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Third of England's schools run by Church of England and Catholic Church.
How does the Secretary of State plan to improve the partnership between churches and schools for better education?
The Church is a partner in the White Paper journey. They are making ambitious plans for great schools delivering high-quality education.
Assessment & feedback
No specific plan or commitment provided
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
Deeply traumatised children may need residential placements, but local/national availability is often inadequate.
How will the Secretary of State rectify the issue urgently when there are no places available locally or nationally?
Local authorities have a duty to ensure sufficient provision. £259 million additional funding will expand residential provision of secure and open children's homes.
Assessment & feedback
No specific rectification plan mentioned
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
St. Paul's C of E Academy in Tipton applied unsuccessfully for condition improvement funding.
Will the Minister meet to discuss clear guidance on applying and perhaps visit the school?
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting or guidance details not provided
Meeting Instead Of Direct Answer
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
Chair of the Office for Students endorsed Viktor Orbán and his approach to academic freedom.
Does the Secretary of State support the chair's endorsement, including their view on academic freedom?
I support the chair for all work done to improve student outcomes in universities.
Assessment & feedback
No specific stance or action regarding endorsement
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Context
Blyth Valley leads in green industrial revolution but needs local jobs and education linkage.
Will the Secretary of State visit to see how we can link schools and industry for young people's benefit?
Looking forward to visiting my hon. Friend's apprenticeship fair soon.
Assessment & feedback
Specific visit details not provided
Future Event Instead Of Direct Answer
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
Schools face pressure on caterers to provide adequate meals due to cost-cutting.
Has funding been considered for free primary school meals, as in Scotland, ensuring a decent-sized meal daily?
Schools have autonomy to agree contracts with suppliers using increased core funding. Funding has gone up by £4 billion in 2022-23, a 7% cash increase.
Assessment & feedback
No specific consideration of free meals expansion
Response accuracy