Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 4 November 2024 · 23 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 19 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Edward Morello raised concerns about a 134% increase in children requiring SEN support in West Dorset and the excessive waiting times for assessments.
  • Meg Hillier questioned the strategic oversight for ensuring best value from school properties in London, highlighting the risks of school closures.
  • Laura Trott discussed the Conservative government's record on improving school standards and youth unemployment, which she contrasted with Labour's perceived failures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Children & Families
Context

In West Dorset, there has been a significant increase in the number of children requiring SEN support. The average waiting time for EHCP assessments exceeds the statutory limit.

Question

West Dorset has seen a 134% increase in the number of children requiring SEN support in the last six years. As of the latest data, more than 275 children are waiting for education, care and health plan assessments, with the average waiting time well in excess of the 20-week statutory limit. Will the Minister outline what specific measures the Department is implementing to ensure that the much-needed £1 billion investment announced in the Budget is used to bring down waiting times for EHCPs in places such as West Dorset?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The hon. Gentleman is right to raise his concern, as so many have this afternoon, about the state of the system for supporting children with SEND. It is not working, and we know it needs reform, but committing an extra £1 billion into the system at this crucial time was an important first step. We face choices on how to take this system forward, and how to make it less adversarial and more focused on better life chances for our children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures not outlined

How: Under Review

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Q2 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Education
Context

Schools are closing in London, leaving premises empty or at risk of being sold off. This raises concerns about the best use of these properties for children.

Question

Schools are closing across inner London, and across London more widely, for various reasons, leaving premises empty or at risk of being sold off. What strategic oversight is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that we get the best value for our children from these properties?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that important issue, about which there was a lack of thinking by the previous Government on how we do this properly and seriously. Challenges come with demographic change, but there are opportunities too. That is why we have announced more primary-based nurseries in empty classrooms, and we can think about doing more around additional support and provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities, in particular.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific strategic oversight not outlined

How: Thinking On How To Properly Utilise School Properties

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Q3 Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks
Education
Context

During the Conservative government, England improved in international educational league tables while youth unemployment decreased.

Question

There has been a lot of discussion about our record in government. Under the Conservatives, England climbed international educational league tables, but what happened to Labour-run Wales? It fell. Under the Conservatives, youth unemployment went down and school standards improved —that is the record of the Conservative Government, which we are proud to defend. Does the Secretary of State agree that academisation was one of the driving forces behind that very good school improvement?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I am sorry to disappoint the right hon. Lady, but we will be talking about the Conservatives' 14 years of failure for a very long time indeed.

How: Conservatives' Record Described As Failure

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Q4 Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks
Education
Context

The Conservative government improved school standards, but now the current party is trying to undermine it by scrapping the academy conversion support grant.

Question

The problem that we have is that while we are learning the lessons of our defeat, the Government are failing to learn from our brilliant record on school standards. Results improved, more schools were “good” or “outstanding”, but now the party in government is trying to undermine one part of the basis for that success. Why is the Secretary of State scrapping the academy conversion support grant when it was such a push behind improving school standards?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The Conservative party has learned absolutely nothing and parents will not buy it. We were faced with some very tough choices because of the £22 billion hole in the public finances, as the right hon. Lady, the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, knows all too well—[Interruption.] We are fixing the foundations and rebuilding our schools.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reasons for scrapping not outlined

How: Tough Choices, Fixing Foundations

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Q5 James Frith Lab Bury North
Education
Context

The Derby high school faces critical issues with its main building dating back to 1959. Previous funding was ignored during the Conservative government.

Question

News of the impact of last week's Budget on schools was greeted with relief in Bury North. The Derby high school is a top-performing school, but its main building dates back to 1959 and faces critical issues. It was due for renewal under Labour's Building Schools for the Future programme but was ignored during the 14 years of the Tories. Will the Minister meet me and the school's leadership team to discuss the urgent need for refurbishment funds?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

We are committed to improving school buildings, where we want our children to achieve and thrive, but that will not be a quick fix. Bury council has been awarded £1.8 million for the financial year to improve its school buildings, including The Derby high school. Last week, this Government increased next year's capital allocation for England to £2.1 billion, some £300 million more than last year. I will, of course, be happy to meet with my hon. Friend—

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting not confirmed

How: Commitment, Quick Fix

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Q6 Calum Miller Lib Dem Bicester and Woodstock
Children & Families
Context

The Minister's previous answer raised concerns about the £1 billion investment for SEND, and whether it is new expenditure.

Question

I noted the Minister's answer to the hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Helen Hayes), but will she clarify whether the £1 billion announced in the Budget last week for SEND goes to new expenditure? What will the Government do about the statutory override that is preventing local authorities from going bust, with a total of nearly £4 billion owing?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

We expect the additional funding to go directly to providing provision for children and young people. We will set out wider plans about the issues the hon. Gentleman raises in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details not provided

How: Clarification On Expenditure, Setting Out Wider Plans

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Q7 Damien Egan Lab Bristol North East
Children & Families
Context

The Minister is asked about the extra funding outlined in the Budget for children and its implications for foster care.

Question

What does the extra funding outlined for children in the Budget mean for the growing number of foster children and children who need foster care?

Answer from Janet Daby

Foster carers provide some of the best care for children who are looked after. Some £4 million of new funding has been allocated for regional foster recruitment hubs, bringing the total amount of funding to £15 million. I am pleased to say that these hubs will generate hundreds of new foster placements.

Answered
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Q8 Charlie Dewhirst Con Bridlington and The Wolds
Education
Context

Hornsea school and language college faces issues with crumbling buildings, including leaking roofs, affecting the school's 1,300 pupils. Of these, 90 have special educational needs.

Question

The teachers and staff at Hornsea school do a fantastic job for their pupils despite poor building conditions. Given the Chancellor's commitment of £1.4 billion to continue the school rebuilding programme in last week's Budget, will you prioritise Hornsea school?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

I note the hon. Member's point on that specific college. The Chancellor committed £1.4 billion at the Budget to drive delivery of the current school rebuilding programme for next year. Over the coming weeks and months, we will work with trusts and local authorities to identify which schools will be in scope.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm Hornsea school's prioritisation in the rebuilding programme.

How: We Are Working On This, Under Review

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Q9 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
Education
Context

Some students in Truro and Falmouth struggle with repeated retakes of GCSE and functional skills maths and English, leading to feelings of failure.

Question

My constituency has some brilliant further education colleges but some students struggle with repeated retakes. Will the Minister consider how the process could be done better so that these students do not feel like failures?

Answer from Janet Daby

The Department considers level 2 English and maths essential, requiring those without qualifications to continue studying. The independent curriculum and assessment review is looking at support for students lacking these qualifications.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete plans or timeline to improve the process for struggling students.

How: Under Consideration

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Q10 James MacCleary Lib Dem Lewes
Children & Families
Context

Nurseries in Lewes face concerns over special educational needs and disabilities provision due to funding shortfalls, staffing challenges, and insufficient places.

Question

Many nurseries raise serious concerns about SEND provision. Will Ministers commit to an urgent review of SEND in the early years to address these issues?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

Ensuring proper identification and provision of SEND is part of our review of the early years system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to an urgent review or provide a timeline for addressing concerns.

How: Under Review

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Q11 Oliver Ryan Labour (Co-op) Burnley
Education
Context

An extra £300 million was announced for further education, and Burnley College is expanding its campus.

Question

Will the Secretary of State visit Burnley with me to meet representatives from Burnley college about their expansion plans?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I would be very happy to visit again. We put in place an additional £300 million for further education and £300 million of capital funding for colleges.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a specific meeting or date with Burnley College representatives.

How: We Are Happy To Discuss

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Q12 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Education Children & Families
Context

Stramongate nursery school in Kendal faces closure following an Ofsted inspection, despite not having help to remain open under special measures.

Question

Stramongate nursery school is facing closure. Will the Secretary of State pay attention to this issue to ensure children and parents are protected?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I will look carefully at the case and ensure that the hon. Gentleman has a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss it further.

Answered
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Q13 Chris Hinchliff Lab North East Hertfordshire
Education
Context

Population growth in North East Hertfordshire has not been matched by education opportunities.

Question

Will the Minister meet me to discuss specific investment needed for my constituency's growing population?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific funding or actions.

How: We Are Happy To Discuss

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Q14 Stuart Andrew Con Daventry
Education
Context

Buckton Fields school in Daventry experienced building defects, leading to budget shortfalls and roll fluctuations.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and representatives from Buckton Fields school to discuss their £45,000 budget shortfall?

Answer from Catherine McKinnell

I welcome the right hon. Gentleman back and would be more than happy to meet him to discuss challenges in his constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a specific meeting or timeline.

How: We Are Happy To Discuss

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Q15 Jade Botterill Lab Ossett and Denby Dale
Education
Context

The UK's social mobility commissioner highlighted the “geography of disadvantage” in northern post-industrial communities.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree with the commissioner that decisive Government action is required to improve educational attainment and opportunity?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I do agree, and I am grateful for my hon. Friend raising the point. We are working across Government on breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timeline.

How: We Are Committed

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Q16 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Education
Context

Helen Blythe campaigns for improvements to allergy safety following her son's death from a severe allergic reaction at school.

Question

Will the Minister meet me to discuss introducing mandatory requirements for schools to have allergy and anaphylaxis plans?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

I met Helen Blythe last week, and I will happily meet the hon. Member to take forward her concerns.

Answered
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Q17 Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham
Education
Context

St Nicolas and St Mary primary school in East Worthing faces serious repair issues, affecting children's ability to thrive.

Question

Will the Minister meet me to discuss the serious repair issues facing St Nicolas and St Mary primary school?

Answer from Stephen Morgan

We are proud of our investment in school buildings. I would be delighted not only to meet my hon. Friend but to visit his constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific meeting or timeline for addressing repair issues.

How: We Are Happy To Discuss

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Q18 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Education
Context

The right hon. Baroness Smith of Basildon expressed concerns about freedom of speech and academic freedom in UK universities.

Question

Will the Secretary of State acknowledge, as the right hon. Baroness Smith of Basildon has in the other place, that concerns around freedom of speech and academic freedom in our universities are not a botched culture war but a serious matter that needs to be addressed properly?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

As I said to the right hon. Gentleman during the last Education questions, I believe in the vital importance of freedom of speech and freedom of expression within our university campuses. University is a place where young people should be exposed to views that they might find difficult or challenging; however, it is important that any legislation in this area is workable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not directly address whether the concerns are serious matters needing proper attention beyond acknowledging their importance.

How: Under Review

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Q19 Chris Ward Lab Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Education Transport
Context

The current national guidelines on school transport mean that children who live less than 3 miles from school do not receive Government funding for transportation.

Question

In my constituency, children who live less than 3 miles from school either walk an hour and a half to and from school or their struggling families must find the money for their transport. Will the Minister meet me to talk about this and see whether the 3-mile limit can be changed?

Answer from Catherine McKinnell

We are committed to removing barriers to opportunity for every child. No child should struggle to access education because of a lack of transport. We are keen to understand how well the transport system is working for children accessing schooling, and I will happily meet my hon. Friend to discuss it further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to changing the 3-mile limit but acknowledged willingness to discuss the issue.

How: Under Consideration

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Q20 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Education Children & Families
Context

Most teachers have had no more than half a day's training on autism.

Question

If the Government are as committed as they say they are to ensuring that most children with special educational needs and disabilities receive a mainstream education, what will they do to ensure that teacher training meets children's needs?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The hon. Lady is right to identify that this is an area where we must do more, and do it better. I hear, as she doubtless does, from teachers and support staff that they want additional training and support in this crucial area, and we will ensure that it is part of our SEND reform.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific details on how teacher training would be improved.

How: Under Review

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Q21 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Economy Children & Families
Context

Children with special educational needs and disabilities are more likely to live in poverty.

Question

How will my right hon. Friend ensure that children with special and complex needs are incorporated into the child poverty strategy?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work that she leads on behalf of this House on the Education Committee. Our child poverty taskforce is absolutely focused on this area. We will listen to and engage directly with families across the UK, including those who have children with SEND. As she identifies, child poverty blights the life chances of far too many, and that must change.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specifics on how children with SEND would be incorporated into the strategy.

How: Under Review

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Q22 Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex
Children & Families
Context

Carers Trust estimates that two children in every classroom across the UK are young carers, yet 72% of schools say they have no young carers on their roll.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to address that?

Answer from Janet Daby

We have recently required all schools to provide that data, so that we can find out where the young carers are and ensure that they gain the support that they need. Through the children's framework, they can have an assessment alongside their parents. I am happy to speak further on this matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details of steps being taken beyond mentioning recent requirements for data provision.

How: Under Review

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Q23 Warinder Juss Lab Wolverhampton West
Education Employment
Context

The Chancellor confirmed the recruitment of 6,500 teachers in the Budget.

Question

Will the Secretary of State please confirm how those extra teachers, including specialist teachers, will be recruited, and how issues such as workload, working conditions and support for training and development of new and existing teachers and school support staff will be addressed?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

We know that having a well-supported, highly qualified teacher at the front of the class makes the single biggest difference to children's life chances, but it is also crucial that we tackle issues around workload and pay. That is why I was delighted that we were able to bring in a fully funded 5.5% pay award for our teachers, to recognise their brilliant hard work on behalf of our children, our families and our country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific details on recruitment processes or support measures beyond mentioning the pay award.

How: Under Review

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