Contributions
1,058 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Fourteenth sitting)Things really can only get better— [ Laughter. ] I thank the hon. Gentleman for drawing attention to the existing provision in part 1 of the Education Act 2002, and his open…11 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Thirteenth sitting)I appreciate the hon. Member’s concern for foster carers having delegated authority on day-to-day decisions for the children in their care. Foster carers offer crucial support to…11 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Fourteenth sitting)As the Prime Minister has made clear, we are focused on delivering the change and justice that victims deserve. As I set out earlier in response to new clause 15, on 6 January,…11 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Fourteenth sitting)I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss governance structures in schools and academies. I sincerely thank the incredible volunteer force, which is a vital part of our system.…11 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Fourteenth sitting)I thank the hon. Lady for raising the issue. As she knows, we are absolutely aware of the challenges in the SEND system and how urgently we need to address them, but, as I know…11 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)As the Prime Minister has made clear, we are absolutely focused on delivering justice and change for the victims on this horrific crime. On 6 January, the Home Secretary outlined…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)I think I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that that is not the case. The inclusion of similar powers is common and well-precedented in legislation. Powers to make…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)Keeping children safe could not be more important, and it could not be a greater priority for this Government. The question is how that is best achieved. That is the evidence that…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)As I have said, we need to wait and look at the evidence before making such a significant legislative change. The protection of children is critical. The Bill takes significant…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)Are you sure?06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. As I am sure colleagues will be all too aware, homelessness levels are far too high. Homelessness can have a devastating…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)I thank hon. Members for their contributions, and absolutely agree on the importance of this measure and the difference it will make to children and young people as they move into…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is worth looking at the data: in 2023-24 there were up to 410 households that included a care leaver who was found to be intentionally…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)I totally agree it is vital there is publicly available data regarding local authority performance on EHCPs. That is why we publish annual data on each local authority’s…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Twelfth sitting)I thank the hon. Lady for that intervention and the hon. Member for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire for the way in which he presented this clause. We share the ambition for…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Eleventh sitting)I rise to speak to amendment 90 and clauses 48 and 49. The clauses aim to strengthen local authorities’ existing powers to direct a school to admit a child and provide a more…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Eleventh sitting)Perhaps at the end if there are still questions I would be more than happy to address them.06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Eleventh sitting)Clause 50 covers the ability of the schools adjudicator to set the published admissions number of a school where the adjudicator has upheld an objection to it. This provides an…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Eleventh sitting)As I have set out, these are matters for the school adjudicator to determine on when objections have been raised with them. Schools adjudicators are independent, which is an…06 Feb 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Eleventh sitting)Obviously, the purpose of the clause is to ensure that those decisions are made independently by the schools adjudicator. I think the hon. Gentleman should acknowledge that he is…06 Feb 2025