Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 19 January 2026 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government guidance is clear that mobile phones have no place in schools at any time.
  • The government is considering mandatory CCTV in nurseries as a safeguarding measure.
  • The conclusion on Neil Foden's pension status while serving time for child abuse is expected to be published soon.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
Education
Context

There is growing evidence that smartphones in schools are harming behaviour, concentration and outcomes, but leaving it up to headteachers is driving inconsistencies, with only 11% of senior schools having an effective mobile phone ban.

Question

Why has the government left it up to headteachers to enforce mobile phone bans despite growing evidence of negative impacts? Will the Secretary of State publish an assessment of the impact of a statutory ban?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)

The Government are completely clear and Government guidance is completely clear that mobile phones have absolutely no place in schools at any point throughout the day. Obviously, we continue to look closely to ensure that the guidance is enforced properly across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Publication of an assessment on statutory ban

How: Continuing To Look Closely, Ensuring Enforcement

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Q2 Tulip Siddiq Lab Hampstead and Highgate
Safeguarding & DBS Children & Families
Context

The MP referenced a horrific sexual abuse case in one of her local nurseries.

Question

Following a horrific sexual abuse case, will the Secretary of State introduce mandatory CCTV in nurseries as a safeguarding measure?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)

My thoughts remain with all the children and families who have been affected. The safety of our children comes first, so we are considering the mandatory use of CCTV in early years settings through the review we are getting under way rapidly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Introduction of mandatory CCTV

How: Considering, Review

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Q3 Liz Saville Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Crime & Law Enforcement Benefits & Welfare
Context

Victims of Neil Foden, a former headmaster at Ysgol Friars who is now in prison due to sexual abuse charges, are demanding that his pension be forfeited.

Question

When will the conclusion of whether Neil Foden continues to receive his pension while serving time for child abuse crimes be published?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)

I expect that to happen very rapidly.

Answered
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Q4 Laura Kyrke-Smith Lab Aylesbury
Culture, Media & Sport Children & Families
Context

Alex Foster, a teenager from Aylesbury, shared his experiences of social media with the MP, citing instances of exposure to violent content and inappropriate material.

Question

Given Alex Foster's story about encountering beheadings, terrorist material, and explicit photos on social media despite parental intervention, does the Minister agree that we must go further in protecting young people online?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)

I agree that nothing is more important than the safety of our children. We are already taking world-leading action with the Online Safety Act 2023, and we have been very clear that nothing is off the table when it comes to children’s safety.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Further measures beyond the Online Safety Act

How: World-Leading Action, Online Safety Act 2023

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