Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

School Quality and Outcomes: Disadvantaged Areas

Monday 21 June 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government investing 10 million in four high-needs regions including Ashfield and Mansfield
  • Commitment to bring successful education trusts into disadvantaged areas like Mansfield and Ashfield
  • UK Government supports families through holiday activities and food programme

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Bradley Con
Education
Context

The MP raises concerns about school quality and pupil outcomes in disadvantaged areas, referencing a £10 million fund.

Question

I am concerned about the quality of schools and outcomes for pupils in the most disadvantaged areas. The government is investing £10 million in four high-needs regions including Ashfield and Mansfield to improve these issues. What steps are being taken specifically?

Answer from Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)

We are investing £10 million in four high-needs areas, including Ashfield and Mansfield. Up to half of this fund will be channelled through the successful trust capacity fund to improve educational outcomes.

Answered
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Q2 Ben Bradley Con
Education
Context

The MP follows up on cultural enrichment opportunities for schools in disadvantaged areas.

Question

Mansfield and Ashfield will receive a share of the £10 million fund. What opportunities exist for schools to access support for non-academic sides, such as cultural enrichment and extra-curricular activities?

Answer from Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)

We are committed to bringing the most successful trusts into disadvantaged areas like Mansfield and Ashfield to drive up educational attainment. We aim to discuss with the hon. Friend how more can be done in this area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific opportunities or programmes for cultural enrichment were not detailed.

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Q3 Carol Monaghan SNP
Education Children & Families
Context

The MP praises teachers and staff for their work, highlighting the issue of hunger impacting learning in disadvantaged children.

Question

Teachers and support staff across Scotland have done a great job. However, hunger is not conducive to effective learning. When will this Government provide free school meals for all primary schoolchildren as the Scottish Government does?

Answer from Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)

We are committed to supporting families and children. We have rolled out our holiday activities and food programme, which not only feeds but also provides activities for children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or commitment on free school meals was avoided.

How: Holiday Activities And Food Programme

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Q4 Carol Monaghan SNP
Education Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP criticises the UK Government for not taking action on free school meals, contrasting with Scottish policies.

Question

Free school meals make a difference for families on the edge. Why has the UK Government not taken action like the Scottish Government? Have there been discussions with the Chancellor to provide more money in this area and possibly retain the £20 per week universal credit uplift?

Answer from Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)

We support families through various means, including the furlough scheme, universal credit uplifts, and additional funding for free school meals. The devolved Administrations benefit from Barnett consequentials.

Not addressed: Specific discussions with Chancellor on funding were not addressed.

How: Various Means Of Support, Barnett Consequentials

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