Contributions
1,309 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSchool AttendanceI will. Local authorities have duties towards those children to ensure that all are receiving a suitable education and act if not. The consultation we held on revised guidance to…29 Jan 2024HANSARDSchool AttendanceOf course, there are multiple layers to mental health support. The mental health support teams programme, which we are rolling out gradually across the country, continues to…29 Jan 2024HANSARDSchool AttendanceThe hon. Member identifies important problems. There are important links between mental ill health prevalence and non-attendance. We will see benefits from the offer to all state…29 Jan 2024HANSARDSchool AttendanceThe hon. Gentleman is entirely correct. It is important to consider the role of mental health in primary as well as secondary school. We put mental health education on the…29 Jan 2024HANSARDSchool AttendanceLet me be abundantly clear: off-rolling—removing a pupil from a school without using a permanent exclusion—is unacceptable and unlawful. That is in the Ofsted framework, and it is…29 Jan 2024HANSARDCost of Living Support: Devolved AdministrationsWe await the Scottish Government’s full programme, but I will say that, in recognition of the benefits of free school meals and targeting them where they can have most effect, one…29 Jan 2024HANSARDCost of Living Support: Devolved AdministrationsWe have extended eligibility for free school meals on three occasions, mainly with universal infant free school meals, the extension of further education students and, most…29 Jan 2024HANSARDf40 Local Authorities: FundingWe are committed to funding all schools fairly and equitably, wherever they are. The national funding formula replaces an unjust system whereby schools received different levels…29 Jan 2024HANSARDf40 Local Authorities: FundingMy hon. Friend is right about the importance of deprivation factors and, indeed, transport costs. We are increasing the amount under the formula that relates to deprivation, and…29 Jan 2024HANSARDf40 Local Authorities: FundingI would be happy to follow up the matter of the private finance initiative contract at that college, and perhaps have some discussions with my right hon. Friend the Minister for…29 Jan 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are investing very heavily in breakfast clubs. This is another area in which we think that targeting support matters. That includes secondary schools, not just primary schools,…29 Jan 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsI join my hon. Friend in congratulating, commending and thanking Mrs O’Callaghan on her life’s work. I appreciate that the RAAC situation in schools has been very difficult, which…29 Jan 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsI pay tribute to the headteachers in Liverpool, West Derby. We think it is important to have an independent inspectorate, and we think it is important that assessments are clear.…29 Jan 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe want to see schools not excluding children where that is at all possible. There is no right number for exclusions; they have to be determined in the light of the circumstances…29 Jan 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsI will.29 Jan 2024HANSARD Books in Primary SchoolsI accept that there have been strains on public finances. The origins of those are well known: when the Government came in in 2010, there was a recurring annual public deficit of…24 Jan 2024HANSARD Books in Primary SchoolsIt is a pleasure, once again, to see you in the Chair, Ms Elliott. It is nice to be in a Westminster Hall debate in which we all overwhelmingly agree. I congratulate the hon.…24 Jan 2024HANSARD Books in Primary SchoolsWhat can I say? The hon. Gentleman is ahead of me, and not for the first time. I do not think he has seen my handwritten notes, but if he had, he would know that they say, “It…24 Jan 2024HANSARD Books in Primary SchoolsLook: schools have books. I do not know what schools the hon. Member may have visited that do not have books on shelves, but schools have books. Sometimes libraries these days get…24 Jan 2024HANSARD Books in Primary SchoolsGo on. The hon. Gentleman spoils us.24 Jan 2024