Contributions
1,529 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningMy hon. Friend is absolutely right on the importance of supporting youngsters and children who are going to be facing GCSEs next year, as well as A-levels, BTECs and other…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningMy right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. The impact on children is not just educational, from not being in school, but a health and welfare one. He is equally right about the…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningLet me take the opportunity to thank the Scottish Deputy First Minister for the close work and collaboration there has been between us over the past few months, as we have had to…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningMy hon. Friend is right about the importance of PE for all children, whether they are at school or at home. We have been seeing some brilliant examples of children really being…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningAs I have repeatedly said—I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman was listening to my earlier responses—SAGE does publish its evidence and the advice that we get, so, of course,…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningI very much join my hon. Friend in thanking those teachers and support staff who have done so much to keep schools open all the way through this period. It is important to…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningThe only consideration behind this decision is what is in the best interests and for the welfare of children and those who work in schools. We all recognise the importance of…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningAt the heart of every step we take on schools returning is the safety and security of those who are in schools, whether it is a child, teacher, teaching assistant or any other…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningMy hon. Friend raises an important point about the international benchmarks that we can look towards. In reaching conclusions on how to bring about a phased return of schools, we…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningWe would not have made this decision to do a phased return to school if the scientific and medical advice had not been explicit that this is the right time to do it. We have…13 May 2020HANSARD Covid-19: School ReopeningI very much agree that this is a decision for the Welsh Government.13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Home LearningI am determined to help learning continue in these challenging times. We have committed over £100 million to provide devices and internet access to vulnerable children and…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Vulnerable ChildrenI certainly will join my right hon. Friend in paying tribute to the teachers and all those who work in schools not only in Harlow but right throughout the country for the amazing…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Vulnerable ChildrenOn the regulations we have laid, we worked very closely with the ADCS—the Association of Directors of Children’s Services—on how we make sure we do everything we can to maintain…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Vulnerable ChildrenWe have been working right across the sector to make it absolutely clear that we understand the need for very specific, tailor-made guidance for a lot of children in special…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Vulnerable ChildrenSchools remain open to children in care, and local authority virtual school heads are actively tailoring their expert offer of advice and support to all children on what they are…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Home LearningAs I am sure my hon. Friend will understand, £100 million for computers and other support for schools is a major investment, and it takes a while for these resources to arrive at…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Home LearningI think the hon. Lady would very much appreciate the fact that I take my responsibilities for the safety and the health of children who attend school as the absolute principal…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Home LearningFirst, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Lady on her new appointment. I appreciate the time she has made available to speak with me, and I hope the regular…05 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Home LearningThe consultation closed in October last year. We were hit by twin issues of purdah being imposed and now, obviously, our principal focus being on dealing with the coronavirus. We…05 May 2020