Stressed the importance of education as a priority, highlighting positive progress in Mansfield with more schools rated 'good' and increased funding. Advocated for reducing teacher workload and improving early years provision. Acknowledged significant capital investment in school buildings and praised recent announcements on rebuilding three local schools. Emphasised the importance of community engagement through sports facilities and work-based learning opportunities.

Inquired about the struggles in recruiting teachers in maths, science, and languages due to unfunded pay rises, citing concerns from headteachers in her area.

Asked Theo Clarke to discuss T-levels and how they are contributing to local communities, particularly mentioning Loughborough College as an example.

Congratulated the lead MP and thanked educators across Stoke-on-Trent for their work. Noted that school funding has increased by 44% per pupil since 2010-11, reaching £7,460 per pupil in 2023-24. Highlighted additional spending of £7 billion secured by the Department for Education and further contributions from the Prime Minister and Chancellor. Mentioned that Stoke-on-Trent is receiving a higher increase than other parts of the west midlands at 6.8%. Supported the T-level programme as a transformative scheme. Asked if it was wrong for the National Education Union to instruct teachers not to assess or mark work during the pandemic.

Called order on interventions and emphasised that contributions should remain within the context of the debate about funding for schools and colleges in the Midlands.

I thank the Minister for giving way; I recognise that he speaks on this topic with a great deal of experience. In the midlands, four in five schools are set to have to cut their education provision to cover costs this coming year. Secondary school teachers left Nottingham schools at a rate of 33% in 2020, one of the highest rates in England. I ask the Minister whether he accepts that the situation is unsustainable and damaging children's education. Additionally, local authorities in England face a £2.4 billion black hole in special educational needs funding.

Welcomed the Government's £1.5 billion further education capital transformation fund and highlighted Stafford College receiving £28 million for a new skills and innovation centre, which will foster digital and manufacturing skills.

The MP noted the Prime Minister's strategy for recruiting more maths teachers but pointed out that the Government is failing to meet its own targets. He highlighted the disparity between announcements and actual recruitment efforts. Pointed out that the Institute for Fiscal Studies reported the largest funding loss in further education sector compared to other sectors despite extra funding in 2020-21 being eroded by growth in student numbers. Concerned about the significant funding cuts affecting schools and colleges in the Midlands, including a 9% reduction in school spending per pupil, a 14% fall in college spending, and a 28% cut in sixth-form colleges. Emphasized the impact of these cuts on teachers who often buy equipment for their pupils and act as social workers due to poverty among students.