Contributions
444 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDStatutory SEND Duties: Intervention PowersI thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. I have travelled around the country talking to parents and, sadly, the story he has set out in his constituency of parents having to…19 Jan 2026HANSARDStatutory SEND Duties: Intervention PowersWe have set out that that special school can continue. In most cases we have given local authorities a choice about whether they want to build a special school or come forward…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND Funding ShortfallThe autumn Budget made it clear that future special educational needs and disabilities funding will be managed as part of overall Government departmental expenditure. We have…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND Funding ShortfallWe recognise that the size of deficits that councils are accruing while the statutory override is in place might not be manageable with local resources alone. We will be setting…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND Funding ShortfallI was delighted to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency and to see some brilliant work, including a new SEND resource base that means children who would otherwise have to travel…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND Funding ShortfallAs I set out, we have heard that too many families across the country are having to fight for, and wait for, support. That is not acceptable, which is why we are bringing forward…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND Funding ShortfallI will make sure that that oversight is corrected as soon as possible—although, I am not sure that my hon. Friend has actually invited me to Harlow yet , but I know the Prime…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND Funding ShortfallThe Chancellor and the Secretary of State have been crystal clear that any remaining deficits will come from across Government. Opposition Members know that but are seeking to…19 Jan 2026HANSARDAcademy Trusts: GovernanceRobust governance is crucial to achieving a strong schools system and helping every child to achieve and thrive. The Department has set out new guidance, including the academy…19 Jan 2026HANSARDAcademy Trusts: GovernanceI thank my hon. Friend and other colleagues who came to see me a few weeks ago about this issue and the impact it is having on their communities. We continue to work with the…19 Jan 2026HANSARDGender Questioning: Guidance in SchoolsThe Department for Education is currently reviewing the draft non-statutory guidance for schools and colleges on gender-questioning children, looking carefully at the consultation…19 Jan 2026HANSARDAcademy Trusts: GovernanceI have seen real benefits from collaboration in saving money and sharing best practice to support children in their learning. However, as I have just set out, it is crucial that…19 Jan 2026HANSARDGender Questioning: Guidance in SchoolsThis is about the wellbeing of children and young people, and it is critical that we get it right. It is therefore important that we consider the consultation responses and…19 Jan 2026HANSARDGender Questioning: Guidance in SchoolsThis is a really serious issue that requires deep thought. We are working to ensure that we listen to the consultation and to experts to get this right for children. We make no…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND: Blind and Partially Sighted ChildrenI thank my hon. Friend for her efforts in so brilliantly representing the interests of visually impaired young people and the time that she has spent with me on this important…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND: Blind and Partially Sighted ChildrenWe have commissioned research to strengthen the evidence base of what works to improve inclusive practice in mainstream settings, including for sensory impairment, and I look…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSEND: Blind and Partially Sighted ChildrenRevenue funding for young people with complex SEND has increased by £1.8 billion since July 2024, bringing total high-needs funding to well over £12 billion. Will be setting out…19 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe new guidance sets out inclusion for all children and the recognition of those relationships. As the hon. Member will know, that is mandatory in secondary school, and we…19 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are committed to opening up access to school grounds and sports facilities; that is a key part of the school sport partnership work we are developing. I look forward to working…19 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank my hon. Friend for our recent discussion about this issue. The £3 billion we are investing in schools is precisely for sensory rooms and other investments to make schools…19 Jan 2026