Contributions
423 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSchools: Disadvantaged PupilsMy Lords, a few moments ago, the Minister said in response to my noble friend Lord Blunkett that the college sector is not seen as the poor relation with regard to 16 to 18…24 Jun 2020HANSARDSchools: Return of StudentsMy Lords, last week schools and colleges in England were able to readmit students safely in their first year of studying for GCSEs and A-levels. Labour welcomes that, but we…23 Jun 2020HANSARDSchools: Online Support for PupilsMy Lords, I declare an interest as the parent of a year 4 child at a state school in London. It has provided excellent online resources for home-schooling but has been unable to…18 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19 Summer Food FundMy Lords, seven days ago at Oral Questions, the Minister rebuffed my call for an extension of the free school meals voucher system to cover the summer holidays, saying: “There is…17 Jun 2020HANSARDEducation Settings: Wider OpeningMy Lords, I normally thank the Minister for repeating the Statement, but we take it as read. It represents an inevitable volte- face. Head teachers, education unions, school staff…11 Jun 2020HANSARDFree School Meal Vouchers SchemeMy Lords, the Children’s Society has highlighted how the cost of living has increased for families due to the pandemic, as more children are at home while parents’ earnings have…10 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Pre-school SectorMy Lords, the Minister will be aware of reports last week of a survey carried out with the National Day Nurseries Association showing the stark reality of how Covid-19 will…08 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: SchoolsMy Lords, if there has been any upside to this crisis, it is perhaps the newfound concern of many in the Conservative Party for disadvantaged pupils. I do not include the Minister…03 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: SchoolsMy Lords, I thank the Minister for her reply, but I have to say that it is somewhat vague. This is National Thank a Teacher Day: a national campaign to record our gratitude to…20 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: SchoolsTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to publish scientific evidence which (1) ensures the re-opening schools on 1 June will be safe for pupils, staff and…20 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: SchoolsMy Lords, we all want schools to reopen and children’s education to resume, but the primary consideration before that can happen has to be the safety of pupils, their families and…14 May 2020HANSARDSchools: Relationships and Sex EducationMy Lords, the guidance issued by the Department for Education last year stated that relationships and sex education should be “part of the basic school curriculum … which allows…12 May 2020HANSARDChildren in CareTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to safeguard vulnerable children in care during the COVID-19 pandemic following recent legislative changes.30 Apr 2020HANSARDChildren in CareMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her response, but it does not square with the clear impression within the child care sector. At this time of national crisis, it should be…30 Apr 2020HANSARDCoronavirus BillMy Lords, I salute the superhuman efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers in their efforts to win this battle against an invisible enemy. I will focus my remarks on issues…24 Mar 2020HANSARDEducational SettingsMy Lords, I thank the Minister for repeating the Statement. We support the decision to close schools, which was clearly made on safety grounds. I have a list of questions for the…19 Mar 2020HANSARDHigher and Further Education: Rural and Coastal AreasMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that response, because there are a significant number of further and higher education cold spots in England, including coastal regions in the…18 Mar 2020HANSARDHigher and Further Education: Rural and Coastal AreasMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question on the Order Paper in the name of my noble friend Lord Bassam of Brighton, who is in precautionary self-isolation.18 Mar 2020HANSARDChildren: Special Educational NeedsMy Lords, I endorse the concerns expressed by my noble friend Lord Blunkett, but there is a more immediate issue as far as special educational needs are concerned. It can surely…17 Mar 2020HANSARDApprenticeships: Gender SegregationMy Lords, surely the fact that two-thirds of female apprenticeships are concentrated in just five sectors of the economy, with more than 25% in health and social care alone—I echo…11 Mar 2020