Free Schools and Academies Planning Policy 2020-01-20
2020-01-20
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussions between the Department for Education and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on planning policy for new schools.
What discussions has Nick Gibb had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that free schools and academies are not restricted by planning policy?
Officials have worked with their counterparts on planning policy for new schools and existing academies. A positive approach is set out for local authorities in assessing planning applications. For the Gatwick School, officials are involved in the planning process to get permission from Crawley Borough Council.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Review of children in need that highlights the importance of school awareness for children known to social workers.
Will Nick Gibb talk to local authorities about current children's social services practice during conversations on planning policy, ensuring lessons from the Greater Manchester review are learned?
The Minister highlights the importance of schools being aware of children known to social workers and ensuring they receive pastoral support in school, maintaining high expectations for these pupils.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Recognition of the success of the free schools programme and its importance for under-served areas.
What plans does Nick Gibb have to increase the number of free schools, and has he read Suella Braverman's report 'Fight for Free Schools'?
The Minister confirms commitment to continuing the free schools programme, noting its success in 2019 where seven out of top 15 secondary schools by progress scores were free schools including Michaela Community School.
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