Topical Questions

2026-06-22

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Ian Roome Lib Dem
North Devon
Context
The safety of young children in early years settings is a priority.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities, noting the importance of safeguarding measures and the need for additional funding to support this.
The safety of our youngest children is of the utmost priority. Additional funding of over £4.5 million this financial year and at least £8 million in future years will be provided to Ofsted, including 3,000 unannounced visits a year and an increased number of inspectors for larger settings.
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Q2 Partial Answer
Ian Roome Lib Dem
North Devon
Context
Two school food providers in Devon have closed due to rising costs, affecting the quality of school meals.
Will the Secretary of State ensure that funding for school meals is sustained and that procurement supports healthy, fresh, and local food, given the recent consultation?
The Government intends to ensure proper funding for school meals and healthy procurement. The Labour Government is consulting on improving food standards, delivering a huge expansion in free school meals from September for families on universal credit.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or commitments on sustaining school meal funding were not provided
Consultation Intention
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Q3 Partial Answer
Adam Thompson Lab
Erewash
Context
A new Best Start family hub is opening in Cotmanhay to support deprived communities.
What steps will the Minister take to ensure that Best Start family hubs improve school readiness and help close attainment gaps before children reach the classroom?
The Government aims for record proportions of children to be ready for school, transforming early education and family support services with record investment. The Minister is proud of the work done to set a stretching target for record proportions of children to start school ready.
Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps on improving outcomes were not provided
Aim Stretching Target
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Q4 Partial Answer
Laura Trott Con
Sevenoaks
Context
The resignation of the Prime Minister has affected teacher morale, with 72% of teachers believing the Government has performed badly on education.
Why does the Secretary of State think the country and so many teachers have lost faith in this Government?
The Secretary of State states that the previous government left behind a shocking rise in child poverty and major social failure, while Labour aims to drive up school standards and make change happen for teachers and leaders.
Assessment & feedback
Direct question about loss of faith was not addressed
Previous Government'S Failures Shocking Rise In Child Poverty
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Q5 Partial Answer
Laura Trott Con
Sevenoaks
Context
Teachers are angry about uncertainty regarding their pay awards.
Why does the Secretary of State think it is one rule for Labour and another for everyone else, given that she described delaying teacher pay awards as a dereliction of duty?
The Secretary of State delivered the pay award in full and fully funded when she took office, addressing delays under the previous government. She criticises the Conservatives for their policy to cut state school budgets to invest in private schools.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on differing rules was not provided
Previous Government'S Dereliction Criticising Previous Policies
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Q6 Direct Answer
Sarah Coombes Lab
West Bromwich
Context
Campaigners have worked for a long time to secure an apology for forced adoptions, seen as a shameful period in history.
Does she agree that campaigners who have fought hard deserve thanks for bringing to light something shrouded in misplaced shame?
The Secretary of State agrees and will soon make a full apology on behalf of the state to all those affected, recognising the courage, bravery, and persistence of campaigners in bringing this period out of the shadows.
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Q7 Partial Answer
Olly Glover Lib Dem
Didcot and Wantage
Context
Stanford in the Vale pre-school faces rising demand without adequate funding.
On a recent visit to Stanford in the Vale pre-school, I saw the great service that it provides to children and parents. However, it faces rising demand without adequate funding and resources. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to support early years education providers in meeting demand for the free-hours childcare scheme?
This Government are determined to give every child the best start in life, and we are backing that commitment with record investment of £9.5 billion in early years. We have a huge ambition for the whole early years infrastructure, including Best Start family hubs and our early education and childcare review.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps to address demand for free-hours childcare scheme
Backing That Commitment With Record Investment Of £9.5 Billion In Early Years
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Q8 Partial Answer
Jim Dickson Lab
Dartford
Context
Schools in Dartford face concerns about unfair, inconsistent and unpredictable access to high-needs funding under Kent county council's community of schools model.
In Kent, the county council has adopted a community of schools model for the allocation of high-needs funding, but schools in Dartford are concerned that that has led to a situation in which access to funding is unfair, inconsistent and unpredictable. It has left them unable to plan for the future, because they cannot be confident about how much funding they will receive. Will the Minister look at the model that Kent county council has adopted to ensure that it conforms with the high-needs funding operational guidance and the dedicated schools grant condition?
Officials are meeting with Kent county council to understand the model. We are in favour of schools pooling resources to support children with special educational needs and disabilities, but there have to be safeguards.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing the model for compliance
Officials Are Meeting With Kent County Council To Understand The Model
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Q9 Partial Answer
Anna Sabine Lib Dem
Frome and East Somerset
Context
There is a shortage of music teachers in the country, and a previous bursary system was discontinued.
We have a shortage of music teachers in this country. A system of bursaries was in place for those taking music postgraduate certificates in education, but after the number of students increased slightly, that bursary system was pulled, yet we still do not have enough music teachers. Would the Minister please consider reinstating that bursaries scheme, which would allow us to have enough teachers coming through into the system to give all the children in this country the music education that they deserve?
Every year we review the bursaries across the system—there is a limited pot, so we look at where the need is highest—and we will review bursaries this year. We are also setting up a national centre for the arts, which will support teacher training for music as well as wider arts.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reinstating the specific bursary scheme
Every Year We Review The Bursaries Across The System
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Q10 Direct Answer
Gill Furniss Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Context
Devon Andrews is working to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers after her daughter Cherish tragically passed away from suspected poisoning.
Earlier this month, I met Devon Andrews, whose daughter Cherish tragically passed away from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday with her partner. In the wake of their passing, Devon is working tirelessly to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide, and is partnering with local organisations to educate children and others. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Devon on campaigning to save lives and ensuring that the memory of her daughter is not forgotten?
I thank my hon. Friend for that important question, and pay tribute to the amazing work she has set out. I thank Devon for her leadership and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family.
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Q11 Partial Answer
Ian Sollom Lib Dem
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Context
The High Court found the Office for Students predetermined its decision against University of Sussex.
In April, the High Court found that the Office for Students had predetermined its decision against the University of Sussex, approaching the investigation with a “closed mind”, and had acted beyond its legal powers. What is the Secretary of State's response to that finding, and what steps is she taking to restore confidence in the regulator?
Since coming into government, we have reformed the regulator to make sure there is a sharper focus on financial sustainability, and there is a new chair who is taking that work forward. The case that the hon. Member refers to covered many years.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps addressing the High Court's findings
The Case That The Hon. Member Refers To Covered Many Years
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Q12 Partial Answer
Julie Minns Lab
Carlisle
Context
Cumberland council set up family hubs to fill a need left by the abolition of Sure Start.
I recently visited the Chances family hub—[Interruption.] It is indeed a very fine hub, one of several set up by Cumberland council to fill a need left by the Conservatives' short-sighted decision to abolish Sure Start. Will the Minister please assure Carlisle families that this Government will ensure that all family hubs receive the support they need to give children the best start?
I thank my hon. Friend for all of her hard work on behalf of her constituents, and join her in congratulating her council on its work. She is right to condemn the outrageous cuts to Sure Start under the Conservative party, and she is also right that councils and voluntary organisations have stepped up to fill the gap.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide dedicated funding or support for Cumberland's family hubs
She Is Also Right That Councils And Voluntary Organisations Have Stepped Up To Fill The Gap
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Q13 Partial Answer
Sarah Dyke Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Context
Temperatures in Somerset are forecast to exceed 35°C, posing risks of serious disruption.
This week, temperatures in Somerset are forecast to exceed 35°C, and some classrooms are set to breach safe working thresholds by as much as 10°C, risking serious disruption to learning. What immediate steps is the Secretary of State taking to protect pupils and staff from this extreme heat, and what dedicated funding will be made available to schools to retrofit for heat resilience, to prevent repeated disruption to education in future heatwaves?
We recognise the need to make sure that, as we refurbish and rebuild schools across our country, they are well placed to cope with some of the fluctuations in temperature we are seeing, including the hot weather we are experiencing at the moment.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific immediate steps or funding for retrofits
We Recognise The Need To Make Sure That, As We Refurbish And Rebuild Schools Across Our Country
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Q14 Direct Answer
Steve Yemm Lab
Mansfield
Context
The MP visited the National Holocaust Museum with year 5 pupils to highlight its importance for educating young people about the Holocaust.
I recently joined a class of year 5 pupils from St Peter's school in my constituency on a visit to the National Holocaust Museum in Laxton. I saw at first hand that places such as that are vital to ensuring that young people absorb lessons about the Holocaust. Will the Minister therefore commit to visiting that museum with me and a local school?
I thank my hon. Friend for his advocacy of the National Holocaust Museum, which plays a critical role in ensuring that children are educated about the Holocaust. That is a key priority for the Government, and I can of course commit to visiting that museum with him—I really welcome his work.
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Q15 Partial Answer
Alison Griffiths Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Context
A constituent highlighted the lack of a dedicated selective mutism pathway in West Sussex, affecting children without needed support.
My constituent, Joanna, has worked tirelessly to highlight the lack of a dedicated selective mutism pathway in West Sussex. Children are being left without the support they need, so will the Secretary of State commit to ensuring that this gap in provision is finally addressed?
We are working with experts nationally to develop new national inclusion standards and specialist provision packages and to set out how we want to see children supported in mainstream schools and specialist schools. I would be happy to discuss that further with the hon. Member.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment was not provided
Discussing Further
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Q16 Partial Answer
Liz Twist Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Context
Each year, about 40,000 children acquire a brain injury, recorded under broad categories. This leads to difficulties in addressing specific neurological needs.
Some 40,000 children each year acquire a brain injury, which are recorded, if at all, under a broad range of categories. Will the Minister meet me and the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum to look at how we can better record acquired brain injuries in a special category to deal with their specific neurological needs?
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that issue. We have been talking to families of children with neurological issues, and it is an important area.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on recording categories were not provided
Discussing Further
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Q17 Partial Answer
Helen Morgan Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Context
Schools in North Shropshire received lower per pupil funding compared to the national average, leading to consistently lower GCSE and key stage 4 outcomes.
Schools in North Shropshire received an average of £6,460 a head last year, compared with a national average of around £7,910. Outcomes at GCSE and key stage 4 are consistently lower than the national average. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss what resources can be put in place to improve outcomes for children in North Shropshire?
We are increasing investment in schools, and I would be happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss their concerns.
Assessment & feedback
Specific figures on increased resources were not provided
Discussing Further
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Q18 Direct Answer
Helen Hayes Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Context
Baby Preston Davey's case highlighted serious safeguarding failings, prompting the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 for stronger arrangements.
I know that Members across this House will have been sickened and devastated to hear reports of the abuse suffered by baby Preston Davey prior to his murder at the hands of his adoptive parents. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 legislates for stronger safeguarding arrangements, including multi-agency child protection teams in every local authority area. In light of recent cases, will the Secretary of State set out the expected timetable for implementing these reforms?
I am grateful to the Chair of the Select Committee for raising this shocking case. We are taking it extremely seriously, with independent experts looking at Oldham council and other agencies involved. The child safeguarding practice review is commencing, led by local authorities, aiming to roll out stronger safeguarding practices by March.
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Q19 Direct Answer
Suella Braverman Con
Fareham and Waterlooville
Context
The murder of baby Preston Davey raised concerns about the lack of multi-agency coordination in child safeguarding.
The horrific sexual abuse and murder of baby Preston Davey has shocked the nation. My question for the Secretary of State is simple: among the army of health visitors, social workers and medics who saw baby Preston, why did nobody raise the alarm? What action is being taken now to safeguard the welfare of those children under the care of Oldham council?
I have just described the action that we are taking. The incoming Government updated legislation to keep children safe, independent experts are examining Oldham council and other agencies involved in Preston's case.
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Q20 Partial Answer
Jonathan Davies Lab
Mid Derbyshire
Context
The St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust faces financial difficulties despite extra support from the Department for Education.
The St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust is facing extreme financial difficulties. We east midlands MPs have written to the Department, but perhaps Ministers could find out whether there is anything else that we can do, and also look at the academy funding model more generally?
Colleagues in the region have raised concerns, I would be happy to ensure that my hon. Friend can meet to discuss further. We are taking action on MAT-level inspection and will take further steps to prevent public money from being wasted as seen under previous Conservative governments.
Assessment & feedback
Specific review or support measures were not detailed
Discussing Further
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Q21 Direct Answer
Lincoln Jopp Con
Spelthorne
Context
Town Farm primary school in Stanwell, Spelthorne constituency, received a visit from its pupils who asked about the new Secretary of State. The head teacher, Mr Bhatti, was awarded an OBE in the King's birthday honours.
Members of Town Farm primary school visited me and asked questions; I will leave my view on the new Secretary of State for now. Head teacher Mr Bhatti received an OBE. Will the Secretary of State put on record her thanks to Mr Bhatti and all at Town Farm primary school?
I am happy to extend my congratulations to Mr Bhatti and the brilliant team at Town Farm primary school, and I hope that all the pupils had a wonderful visit to Parliament. This is an opportunity that we can encourage our schools to take up, as funding is available through Parliament and the Parliamentary Education Centre.
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Q22 Partial Answer
Meg Hillier Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Context
The constituency of Hackney South and Shoreditch faces a decline in population, resulting in school closures. There is a need to repurpose former education sites for housing.
Due to declining pupil numbers, schools are closing in my constituency; what work is being done to ensure that these sites can be swiftly re-designated for other uses like social and affordable housing?
My hon. Friend is right; we are managing declines in pupil numbers and supporting schools through various means such as expanding nursery provision and SEND support. We are considering carefully how to ensure that school sites can be used effectively, whether for education or other purposes.
Assessment & feedback
commitment on timelines or specific processes for changing site designations
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Q23 Direct Answer
Adrian Ramsay Green
Waveney Valley
Context
Primary school headteachers in Waveney Valley are concerned that reduced funding for PE will affect opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
According to budget calculations, the cut in PE funding will impact opportunities for young people in rural areas like Waveney Valley. Can the Government provide assurance that these children will not lose out on vital sporting activities?
We are investing £1 billion over three years in new sports networks. This money will support schools, bringing resources together and putting funding directly into budgets. More plans will be set out to reassure primary school heads of our commitment to increasing activity for children.
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Q24 Direct Answer
Bayo Alaba Lab
Southend East and Rochford
Context
Many families are dissatisfied with the SEND system, as highlighted by a case of a young boy expelled from school due to mishandling of his complex needs.
Families have been let down by the existing SEND system. A bright young boy was expelled owing to poor handling of his needs but later re-enrolled due to his mother's efforts. Will reforms outlined in the Government's White Paper support early intervention and improve experiences for all children?
Our SEND reforms are about putting early intervention in place, supporting children at the earliest point, and transforming the system so that parents do not have to fight for support. I understand the experience of families who battle to get their children the needed support.
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