Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Education

Wednesday 11 February 2026 · 5 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

  • Minister for Early Education visited schools in Belfast recently to present to Northern Ireland Ministers at the East-West Council.
  • Discussions are taking place to share knowledge and best practice on inclusive and nurturing education for pupils.
  • Minister supports integrated education and visited shared education schools at the request of the Northern Ireland Minister.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jas Athwal Lab Ilford South
Education Northern Ireland
Context

No specific context provided, but the question pertains to recent discussions about educational initiatives.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with the Northern Ireland Executive on education?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

Chances in life are set early. Although education is devolved in Northern Ireland, we must work together. That is why it was my privilege to bring the Minister for Early Education to Belfast recently to visit schools and to present to Northern Ireland Ministers at the East-West Council. We discussed the school twinning programme, the theme of which is “Reading for Pleasure”. As a new dad, I am reading quite a few baby books at the moment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete details about discussions with Northern Ireland Executive on education policies or specific initiatives.

How: As A New Dad, I Am Reading Quite A Few Baby Books At The Moment.

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Q2 Sarah Hall Labour (Co-op) Warrington South
Education Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from independent research showing that nurture provision improves pupil outcomes.

Question

As chair of the inclusion and nurture in education all-party group, I welcome the Northern Ireland Department of Education's independent research showing that nurture provision delivers measurable improvements in pupils' behaviour, attendance and attainment. What discussions are being had to share this good practice in inclusive education with the rest of the UK, including officials in England?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

Just last month, I went with the early years Minister to visit schools that are really focused on being inclusive and nurturing for pupils, and my hon. Friend is totally right to highlight how this work can have such a positive impact on the children in our schools.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide details about specific discussions or plans to share practices across the UK.

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Q3 Jas Athwal Lab Ilford South
Education Northern Ireland Children & Families
Context

No specific context provided, but the question pertains to knowledge and expertise exchange.

Question

Does the Minister agree with me about the importance of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government sharing knowledge, expertise and best practice as we all seek to improve outcomes for children in all our schools?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

I absolutely do. I have always said that this is not a case of cutting a cheque and walking away. There is work we can do with the Northern Ireland Executive, and we continue to share best practice. In fact, just this week I wrote to the Minister responsible for early years, my hon. Friend the Member for Reading West and Mid Berkshire (Olivia Bailey), to explore further opportunities for collaboration.

Answered
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Q4 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Education Northern Ireland
Context

Last year, the Northern Ireland Office announced a £2 million allocation to support the integrated education sector.

Question

At last year's spending review, the Northern Ireland Office announced a £2 million allocation to support the integrated education sector. Given that a range of schools in Northern Ireland have been offering an integrated educational ethos for many years, will the Government review that policy to support integrated education per se across a number of schools in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

We support integrated education, and integrated schools are a really important part of that. I was recently at some shared education schools, at the request of the Minister, and I was impressed by some of the work being done there, but I do not think there is just one route for schools in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide information on reviewing or changing current policy.

How: But I Do Not Think There Is Just One Route For Schools In Northern Ireland.

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Education Northern Ireland
Context

The Education Minister in Northern Ireland, Paul Givan, is piloting a scheme to introduce restrictions on students using smartphones.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answers. The Education Minister in Northern Ireland, Paul Givan, has been keen to introduce restrictions on students using smartphones in schools, and he has a pilot scheme in place. The Government here are happy to do the same thing. Has the Minister had an opportunity to encourage the Education Minister in Northern Ireland to bring in smartphone restrictions in schools?

Answer from Matthew Patrick

I was with the Minister for Education recently but this topic did not come up. Obviously, these matters are devolved and are for the Northern Ireland Executive, but I would be happy to speak to Minister Givan, as the hon. Member suggests.

Not addressed: Did not discuss whether there have been any opportunities or plans to encourage smartphone restrictions in schools.

How: These Matters Are Devolved And Are For The Northern Ireland Executive

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