Contributions
3,240 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSchool Uniform PoliciesWe have to strike a balance for parents who need to send their children to school in a uniform that fits and is suitable, encouraging them to use second-hand uniforms wherever…12 Jun 2023HANSARDSchool Uniform PoliciesAs I said, schools know their communities, and we trust them to make the right judgments for their pupils and staff.12 Jun 2023HANSARDSchool Uniform PoliciesMy Lords, following the publication of statutory guidance in November 2021, all schools in England should already have reviewed their uniform policy and made changes to ensure…12 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateThe right reverend Prelate makes a very important point. The House is obviously familiar with the emphasis we have put on freedom of speech, particularly in our higher education…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateI really hope that I did not give the impression that any element of preaching was going on. I absolutely recognise the description that the noble Lord gave. I just ask the House…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateIt would help to understand some of the specific areas of concern. Data and its use are firmly embedded in the mathematics, science, geography and computing curriculums. Computing…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateI agree with my noble friend’s point about the importance of data and AI and how they may transform many aspects of our lives. The Prime Minister has been absolutely clear about…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateMy Lords, the Government have no plans to launch a commission to review the curriculum. Data literacy is covered within mathematics, science, computing and geography; digital…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateI cannot accept my noble friend’s assertion that we are not providing this effectively. We appreciate that there are some issues in the delivery of financial education—for…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateWe are not changing the national curriculum, but we did a major review of it in 2014. A knowledge-rich curriculum, which evidence suggests is particularly important for children…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateThis country is not unique in its disadvantaged children having suffered particularly during the pandemic. We have been very clear about our vision for the National Tutoring…08 Jun 2023HANSARDSchools: Curriculum UpdateI am not sure that I agree with the noble Lord’s description of the RE curriculum, but he makes the broader point that schools play a part—along with, obviously and incredibly…08 Jun 2023HANSARDAssistive Technology: Support for Special Educational NeedsMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Addington, for his tireless work in this area and for tabling this important debate. People talk about your Lordships’ House and the…25 May 2023HANSARDChildren in Care: Gone Too Far ReportI agree with the noble Lord, although I add that the number of children going to Scotland is, happily, very small. He is right that we need to put pressure on local authorities,…23 May 2023HANSARDChildren in Care: Gone Too Far ReportMy Lords, the Government recognise the importance of most looked-after children being placed near to their homes. Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure sufficient…23 May 2023HANSARDChildren in Care: Gone Too Far ReportAs I said in my initial response, it is the responsibility of local authorities to provide sufficiency within their boundaries. Of course there are exceptional cases, and I have…23 May 2023HANSARDChildren in Care: Gone Too Far ReportWe are going as fast as possible in this. Obviously, our foster caring strategy has had a very significant investment, and there is the additional £9 million we are putting into…23 May 2023HANSARDChildren in Care: Gone Too Far ReportWe need accurate data on the placement of all children, whatever their ethnicity. Indeed, I thought the noble Baroness might have referred also to special educational needs. She…23 May 2023HANSARDChildren in Care: Gone Too Far ReportI have tried to set out what the department is doing to address those points. A number of the most distant placements are for very specialist provision, and I appreciate that…23 May 2023HANSARDChildren in Care: Gone Too Far ReportI really hope I did not sound to the House as if I was blaming local authorities. There needs to be reform of the system and we need to provide additional funding. We are…23 May 2023