Contributions
1,330 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSchools: AbsenteeismMy assessment is that it is concerning that parents, for whatever reason are becoming relaxed about their children’s attendance at school. As the noble Lord suggested, this has…22 Oct 2024HANSARDSchools: AbsenteeismThe noble Baroness is absolutely right that we need a curriculum in schools that will encourage all children to flourish and to be engaged. That is why, in setting up the…22 Oct 2024HANSARDSchools: AbsenteeismMy noble friend makes an interesting point. In my response earlier to the noble Baroness, Lady Barran, I was very clear that, to be honest, it does not matter whether you are…22 Oct 2024HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [HL]That the Bill be now read a second time.22 Oct 2024HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [HL]First, I thank noble Lords who contributed to the debate following His Majesty’s gracious Speech, when we first discussed this Bill. That was also my maiden speech, and it seems…22 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionMy noble friend eloquently outlines the enormous difference that can be made to a child’s start in life by the security and development that they can get from any early years…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionAbsolutely. The name of our recruitment campaign to encourage more people to come and work in this area is “Do Something Big”. Our argument is that there is little that you can do…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionMy noble friend makes a very important point. As I suggested earlier, childcare provision is good for parents because it provides them with opportunities to work and supports them…21 Oct 2024HANSARDEarly Years Provision: Bell ReviewWe are carrying out a short qualifications reform review precisely to identify the qualifications where there are particular needs for learners or for the economy—in this case,…21 Oct 2024HANSARDEarly Years Provision: Bell ReviewI am sure that my colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care will look closely at that, given their concern to ensure that babies and children have the healthiest…21 Oct 2024HANSARDEarly Years Provision: Bell ReviewThe noble Lord makes a very important point. I know from personal experience that, where fathers can give that care, it has an enormously important impact on children and their…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionThe noble Baroness makes a very important point. I am not sure that it is for the Government forcibly to relocate staff in this area, but let me take that back to those working on…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionThe noble Lord is right; it is of course about reward, but it is also about progression and recognition. We have worked hard already to try to reset our relationship with staff…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionThe noble Baroness makes a very important point: that when there is a new entitlement, parents should understand what they are entitled to and be supported to find the places that…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionThe noble Lord makes a very important point. We have already said, more broadly, that we intend to bring forward provisions in the children and well-being bill for a children’s…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionMy noble friend is right that having sufficient well-qualified staff is one of the biggest challenges for developing the entitlement in early years. That is why, as I outlined…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionI apologise. The noble Baroness is absolutely right. I have been overambitious on the Government’s spending plans and I will be in big trouble for that. The figure is £15 million…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionI thank the noble Baroness and the noble Lord. I am very happy to accept that there has been an enormous transformation in the country’s attitude to childcare and in the extent of…21 Oct 2024HANSARDGovernment’s Childcare ExpansionThe noble Lord is absolutely right that grandparents quite often play a very important role in supporting their children and grandchildren. I will take away his exhortations about…21 Oct 2024HANSARDEarly Years Provision: Bell ReviewImportantly, having made it clear that we want to deliver the entitlements set out by the previous Government, this Government have started the hard work to put in place the…21 Oct 2024