Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Provider Access Legislation

Monday 23 October 2023 · 3 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department is strengthening technical and provider access in schools.
  • Government is investing over 18 million over three years in supported internship schemes for high special needs 16-to-19 pupils.
  • Apprentice support and knowledge network is engaging with over 2,000 schools and 680,000 pupils.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damien Moore Con
Education
Context

Provider access legislation aims to ensure students have opportunities for technical education and apprenticeships. Damien Moore questions the effectiveness of this legislation.

Question

Whether her Department has conducted a review of the effectiveness of provider access legislation.

Answer from Robert Halfon

We are strengthening technical and provider access in schools. We have legislated for pupils to have six encounters with apprentice organisations and technical colleges, Ofsted is looking closely at careers guidance, and the apprentice support and knowledge network is going into over 2,000 schools, supporting 680,000 pupils and encouraging them to take up apprenticeships or other skills offerings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether a review was conducted on the effectiveness of provider access legislation

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Q2 Damien Moore Con
Education Children & Families
Context

Colleges in Southport have raised concerns about the suitability of careers advice sessions for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Question

Colleges in Southport have raised concerns about careers advice opportunities for students with SEND—specifically, about the suitability of the oversight and the supposed added value of these sessions. Will my right hon. Friend detail what steps the Government are taking to ensure that these sessions are personalised better to support SEND students in their transition into employment?

Answer from Robert Halfon

We are investing over £18 million over the next three years in supported internship schemes for high special needs 16-to-19 pupils. We have a mentor scheme for disabled apprentices, and 82% of SEND schools are now part of careers hubs.

Answered
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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Education
Context

The previous Labour Government introduced the Aimhigher scheme to encourage young people into higher education and vocational routes. The current Minister is asked if a similar scheme could be considered.

Question

As supportive as I am of this scheme, I do not think that up to six sessions really cuts it. Will the Minister consider a scheme similar to Aimhigher, which was introduced by the previous Labour Government to encourage young people into higher education and down the vocational route? This would give young people mentors who have been through apprenticeship schemes and really get them hooked on the opportunities that vocational education can bring.

Answer from Robert Halfon

We are doing huge amounts. I mentioned the apprentice support and knowledge network, which is going around schools and encouraging pupils to take up apprenticeships. That involves more than 2,000 schools and 680,000 pupils.

Not addressed: Did not address whether a scheme similar to Aimhigher will be considered

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