Topical Questions 2022-03-14

2022-03-14

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Gill Furniss Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Context
The question concerns the Secretary of State's responsibility for supporting refugees.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The UK has committed to welcoming over 100,000 Hongkongers, 20,000 Afghans and an unlimited number of Ukrainians through various schemes.
The UK has committed to welcoming over 100,000 Hongkongers, 20,000 Afghans and an unlimited number of Ukrainians through various schemes. Work is under way across Government with charities and local authorities to ensure that people coming from Ukraine are properly supported.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Gill Furniss Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Context
BTECs are a vital lifeline for many students who cannot achieve A-level or T-level standards.
Why is the Government cutting back on student choice with BTECs while advocating levelling-up agenda and aspiration for everyone? The questioner references the importance of BTECs compared to A-levels and T-levels.
This Government are committed to a ladder of opportunity for everyone with better choices and routes. High quality BTECs will continue but where there is overlap, we look at that.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address the specific ask about reducing student choice.
We Are Committed To Better Choices High Quality Btecs Will Continue
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Context
The constituency successfully secured a new secondary school as part of the free school programme.
Will my right hon. Friend reaffirm the Government's commitment to supporting and delivering this new secondary school in my constituency, as soon as possible?
The Government remain committed to the free school programme and appreciate its importance. We are continuing to work with the trust and local authority, to secure the site and deliver new school places for Cornwall.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Bridget Phillipson Lab
Houghton and Sunderland South
Context
Randstad has been delivering the national tutoring programme.
Does the Secretary of State believe that Randstad's delivery of the national tutoring programme has been a success?
The programme had two pillars—academic mentors and tuition partners—and we have hit 1 million blocks of tutoring. Schools tell us that those pillars are important, but also that they wanted a school-led route. More than half a million tutoring blocks have been delivered that way.
Assessment & feedback
The success of Randstad's delivery was not directly addressed.
We Must Look At The Programme Making Opportunities Available For Every Child
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Bridget Phillipson Lab
Houghton and Sunderland South
Context
The MP criticizes the government's complacency regarding the national tutoring program.
Given the immense disruption to children's education, when will the Secretary of State finally get a grip?
We have hit 1 million blocks of tutoring and aim for 2 million this year, hitting 6 million in total. Every child should get an opportunity to recover learning lost.
Assessment & feedback
The question about getting a grip was not directly addressed.
Delivered Tutoring Blocks Celebrating The Programme'S Success
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Kirklees is an education investment area with outstanding sixth-form providers.
Does the Secretary of State agree that existing colleges are best placed to support disadvantaged students in my area into universities?
Universities should work in partnership with colleges and local schools, raising standards so that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have more options and can choose the path that is right for them.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about existing colleges was not directly addressed.
Spreading Opportunity Equally Working In Partnership
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
The MP questions the reliance on funding from certain countries.
What plans does the Minister have to help enable universities to diversify their international student cohorts?
We recently updated our international education strategy and are proud of home to so many international students who enrich our culture. We have beaten our target many years ahead, which is testament to how dedicated we are to continue to grow our international pool of students.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about diversification was not directly addressed.
Proud Home To International Students Beating Targets
Response accuracy
Q8 Direct Answer
Lee Anderson Reform
Ashfield
Context
The MP discusses problems with Kirkby College and its rebuild.
Will the Minister please use all his levers to ensure that the school rebuild happens as quickly as possible?
Kirkby College was confirmed in the school rebuilding programme in July 2021, and we aim for construction to start in 2023. We are working closely with the incoming trust to scope the project before securing a construction partner.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Bill Esterson Lab
Sefton Central
Context
Lydiate Primary School faces significant safety concerns, including flooding and dampness affecting health. The Department for Education plans to use outdated survey data for funding decisions despite recent deterioration.
Parts of the building at Lydiate Primary School are unsafe, the basement floods and the damp conditions are a health hazard. Will the Minister promise that children at Lydiate will have their latest survey data considered in deciding whether to fund the new building?
The hon. Gentleman's point is noted; we have consulted on assessing such schemes and can take changes in condition into account. He should write with further detail.
Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided committing to use the latest survey data for funding decisions
Asked To Write More Details
Response accuracy
Q10 Direct Answer
Context
Essay mills are threatening the integrity of academic work by enabling cheating, particularly through their online platforms.
Does my hon. Friend agree that essay mills have potential to cause severe damage? What steps is the Government taking to tackle them?
The right hon. Friend is correct; essay mills undermine academic integrity, which is why our forthcoming bill will outlaw them and punish those involved.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Kim Leadbeater Lab
Spen Valley
Context
Girls participated in the FA's “let girls play” biggest ever football session. Concerns over PE being squeezed out of curriculum due to academic testing.
Will the Minister congratulate all participants in the FA's football session? What steps are his Department taking to ensure equal access for girls and protect PE from being squeezed out?
I will join in congratulating all participants. We are investing money through the pupil premium and ÂŁ30 million for after-hours school places, addressing concerns over drop-off from primary to secondary.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions beyond general statements about investment and opening up school places
General Statements
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
David Davis Con
Goole and Pocklington
Context
Some countries are using IT and AI to support classroom teaching with significant progress.
Is the Department investigating how we could use information technology and artificial intelligence for better classroom instruction?
We are looking into this matter; more details will be provided in the upcoming White Paper.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or mechanism for investigation and implementation
Will Say More Later
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Staff at Glasgow University and others across UK are striking due to a 35% cut in guaranteed pensions, affecting students and academic integrity.
What discussions are Ministers having with university employers to encourage them to engage in meaningful dialogue with staff?
We continue to encourage a meaningful dialogue between all parties, focusing on students who have already faced challenges during the pandemic.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on discussions or actions taken by the Government
Encouraging Dialogue
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
Equipping young people with engineering skills is vital for various emerging technologies, including green jobs.
Will my right hon. Friend consider introducing a new design, technology and engineering course as one of the science options?
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further; I recognise the importance of engineering and numeracy skills.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a commitment on introducing DT&E courses, only offered meeting
Meet To Discuss
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Andrew Gwynne Ind
Gorton and Denton
Context
Russell Scott Primary School faces severe conditions with sewage, fumes, and ill health. A bid for funding is being made to the Department for Education.
Will Ministers look on the funding bid favourably as it aligns with levelling up and provides safe educational opportunities?
I welcome the bid coming in; while assessment is required, the case for investment has been made strongly.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct commitment to approve or consider the funding favourably
Welcomes The Bid
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
High numbers of home-schooled children in Stroud with good welfare and educational standards. Concerns over the new compulsory registration scheme.
Will the Minister meet me and my community to learn more about plans for a 'children not in school' register?
We support parents educating children at home; the register will ensure proper care and education. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and her constituents.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on plans for registration, only offered meeting
Offer To Meet
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Munira Wilson Lib Dem
Twickenham
Context
Wilson cited Department for Education figures showing that 27% of children were not at the expected reading age when leaving primary school pre-pandemic, and suggested it is worse now.
Figures show a staggering 27% of children are not at the expected reading age upon leaving primary school. With post-pandemic data likely worse, what work is being done to review standards and will the Minister commit to full ÂŁ15 billion catch-up funding?
65% of pupils leave primary school with appropriate levels, leaving a third who do not. Government aims for 90% achievement level in reading, writing and maths through recovery funding of ÂŁ4.9 billion including the National Tutoring Programme.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to full ÂŁ15 billion catch-up funding
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Context
A school in Darlington is concerned about its energy contract with Gazprom and wants to end the connection.
A Darlington school has an energy contract with Gazprom. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss ending such contracts, which may affect many other schools?
Gazprom is no longer on the roster of suppliers to the Government and Department. Willing to meet Gibson about this specific case.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Diane Abbott Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Context
Ethnic minority children show varying academic success, with black boys underachieving significantly.
The Secretary of State spoke about a ladder of opportunity for children. Can we have one specifically for black children who often underachieve academically and are excluded at higher rates?
The White Paper aims to level up across the board. Hammersmith Academy, with 60% pupil premium and ethnic mix, shows support and stretching for all children.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for black boys
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
The covid inquiry's terms of reference lack substantial mention of educational impacts.
Will my right hon. Friend write to the chair of the covid inquiry to ensure proper reflection on education, mental health issues, and lost attainment during lockdown?
Terms of reference cover preparedness, public health response, economic response, and restrictions on attendance. Mental health challenges are not lost.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to write letter
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
Some constituents experienced a disparity between predicted and teacher-assessed grades, leading to uncertainty.
Constituents faced discrepancies between predicted and actual TAGs. Schools refer them to Ofqual, while Ofqual points back to schools. Can we have a clear appeal mechanism?
TAG challenges led to moving towards proper independently assessed systems post-pandemic.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to clear appeal mechanism
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
Area is seeking a new 16-to-19 specialist school as part of Stoke-on-Trent's education investment.
When will wave 15 of the free school programme be announced so I can bid for the long overdue free school in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke?
Passionately champions his area. Education investment areas provide opportunity for extra free school provision.
Assessment & feedback
Announcement date
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Context
The autism commission reported on the lifelong impact of undiagnosed or delayed assessments for individuals with autism.
Has the Secretary of State seen the latest report from the autism commission, focusing on the impact throughout life? Does he realise families are distressed by long assessment delays?
Acknowledges challenges cited. Special educational needs review will be published soon.
Assessment & feedback
Addressing specific distress points
Response accuracy