Topical Questions

Question

Russell Scott Primary School in Denton had an extensive £2.7 million refurbishment a few years back. Unfortunately, the work was done by Carillion just before it went bump. Some £670,000 has been spent patching the structural problems caused by its works, but another £5 million is needed, and even then, Tameside Council is not convinced that the building will be fixed. This is serious, so may I ask the Secretary of State for an urgent meeting to look at how we can help Russell Scott give the children there the very best education in the very best buildings?

Question

Sixth-form education will play a pivotal role in building back better after covid. Will the Secretary of State join me, please, in supporting an increase in base rate funding for sixth-form students to at least £4,760 in the forthcoming spending review? Will he also please agree to meet members of the all-party parliamentary group on sixth-form education, which I co-chair?

Question

Earlier this year, in June, I stood at this Dispatch Box and confronted the Minister about the number of nurseries and childcare providers that were closing because of the Government's inability to fund the early years sector properly. The Minister accused me of scaremongering. Since June, there has been a further loss of 500 childcare providers in the sector, which brings the net loss for this year alone to nearly 3,000. Will the Minister make up for dismissing the concerns of parents, children and carers by providing targeted funding for the early years sector from this Government?

Question

What steps are the Government taking to promote the Turing student exchange scheme in Scotland?

Question

The Council for At-Risk Academics has called on the UK Government to set up a fellowship scheme for scholars at risk in Afghanistan similar to the PAUSE scheme in France. Will the Secretary of State consider implementing such a scheme?

Question

We now know from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that the chance of 12 to 15-year-olds ending up in intensive care with covid is two in a million. Given that statistic, is it still proportionate that millions of children are losing school days this week to be tested for covid?

Question

Disabled children and those with high needs have suffered disproportionately as a result of missed education and a lack of assessment. There is a huge shortage of educational psychologists, which is delaying the drawing up of education, health and care plans. Can the Minister tell me what steps she is taking to help those children to get the services they need and to catch up?

Question

I am concerned about the invaluable contribution maths makes to our economy and way of life, especially in areas like computing, encryption, AI, and even vaccine development. The London Mathematical Society is raising awareness through its Protect Pure Maths campaign. What will my right hon. Friend do to encourage more people to study maths at university and support STEM?

Question

At the University of St Andrews in my constituency, a number of students face difficulties starting their studies due to issues with obtaining visas. Is the Minister for Universities aware of these delays and what discussions have taken place with the Home Office regarding this issue?

Question

My right hon. Friend had a recent meeting about defibrillators in schools, but can he give us an update on when this will happen and how we ensure all schools have them?

Question

Safeguarding is a priority in statutory settings like schools. However, young people in the community face huge risks such as excessive drinking, drug dealing, and sexual exploitation due to lack of youth provision. Will the Minister meet me to discuss putting these services in place?

Question

It was great visiting Ilfracombe Church of England Junior School's holiday activities, but this is one of few in my rural constituency. What steps are being taken to ensure more students can access such programmes?

Question

Over the last decade, there's been a 47% drop in drama participation and a 36% fall in music. A broad curriculum is vital but often depends on parents' ability to pay. Unless committed funding is provided, young people will be let down. What will the Minister do about it?

Question

Will the Secretary of State speak with the Home Department about getting visas for 12 at-risk Afghan scholars awarded sponsored places by British universities but needing visas to take them up?