Topical Questions

Question

The most deprived schools have seen the largest cuts over the past decade, with a 14% real-terms fall in per-pupil spending between 2009-10 and 2019-20, compared with a drop of only 9% for the least deprived schools. That is not levelling up. Is the Minister content that her Government are funnelling money away from the schools and communities that need it the most?

Question

The Secretary of State is sadly unable to be with us today, but will one of his Ministers commit him to meet me to discuss the universal accreditation scheme proposed in my recently published “Poverty Trapped” paper? It would mean that universities and colleges could give credit for knowledge and skills gained not just in formal education but in work or informal settings, to make it easier, cheaper and faster to switch careers and to level up opportunities so that everyone has a better chance to succeed.

Question

Today, I send my love to the family of Jack Dromey, who will be deeply missed by us all. Through you, Mr Speaker, I also send to the Secretary of State my best wishes for a swift recovery. According to the most recent figures, the number of children who are out of school because of covid has risen by 34%. In the light of that, do Ministers not regret all the time and energy they have wasted on defending the Prime Minister rather than prioritising our children's learning?

Question

If only that were true. It is a year this week since the Prime Minister appointed Sir Kevan Collins “to oversee a comprehensive programme of catch-up”, only for Sir Kevan later to resign in protest because, in his words, the Government's plans risked “failing hundreds of thousands of pupils.” We can all see covid's impact on children's learning and wellbeing. Labour's “Children's Recovery Plan” meets the scale of the challenge we face, so when will the Minister finally put children first and match Labour's ambition for their future?

Question

The main issue in schools across Hampshire at the moment is SEND provision. There is a major increase in need as more students obtain their education, health and care plans, but a significant shortfall in personnel, even though the funding is in place. Will the Minister meet me and Steve Jones of Perins School, which is in my constituency—the dreaded Zoom is absolutely fine—so that we can talk about recruitment not only of teachers, but of student-facing support staff?

Question

Times Higher Education has reported that several UK universities are providing Afghan Chevening scholars with considerable financial assistance, from food vouchers to laptops. Although that is to be commended, it is shocking that the financial contribution of the UK is not covering what these students need. What discussions has the Minister had with colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to increase the financial contribution and to properly support these Afghan students?

Question

Will the Minister join me in thanking the headteacher and staff of Ivel Valley School in my constituency? They are in discussions regarding a much-needed refurbishment. Will the Minister advise me on what the Government's plan is for upgrading the estate of schools that deal with children who have severe learning difficulties?

Question

I am concerned that despite east Hull schools going above and beyond during the pandemic, they were let down by this Government's lack of action leading to 10,600 lost school days. Will you adopt the shadow Secretary of State's schools recovery plan which addresses these issues?

Question

I am distressed by recent attempts to silence Professor James Treadwell at Staffordshire University due to his views on transgender women in prisons. Will you join me in supporting him and ensuring freedom of expression on our campuses?

Question

The decision to remove BTEC funding is making a mockery of our Government's commitment to level up in education for those from working-class backgrounds who rely on these qualifications. Will you agree that this decision undermines those efforts?

Question

Section 406(1)(b) of the Education Act 7already outlaws partisan political views in teaching. Will you act swiftly against Brighton and Hove City Council for planning to indoctrinate children with critical race theory?

Question

My constituency's Upton-by-Chester High School is rated good with an outstanding sixth form but continues to be ignored for rebuilding. When will new guidelines on school rebuilding be announced and will you consider their application kindly?

Question

I welcome our commitment to lifelong learning but many residents in Mansfield need substantial support at levels 1 and 2 before accessing level 3 offers. Will you meet West Notts College representatives and me to discuss this?

Question

Schools report that between 15% and 20% of their staff are absent due to covid. Can you confirm how many volunteers have signed up for the teacher volunteer drive? What measures are in place to keep teachers safe at work?

Question

With only 55% of Derbyshire's secondary schools rated good or above, compared to the national average of 80%, if levelling up means anything, it must address this glaring disparity. Will you meet me and other Derbyshire MPs to discuss improving education standards?

Question

What assessment have Ministers made of the impact of cuts to universal credit and the new Tory tax on working mums from April?

Question

When will that review be published, and can the Minister assure us that it will be published in full and action will be taken?

Question

Why do this Government stubbornly refuse to make changes to the Children Act 1989 and give sibling contact for children in care?

Question

Can my hon. Friend confirm that Ofsted should take into account the impact of covid when inspecting, and set that out in writing?