Contributions
727 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsProtecting children is a cross-Government priority. Although the devolved nations have their own safeguarding systems, we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that…27 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank the hon. Member for raising those matters. I would be happy to meet her to understand the issues in more detail.27 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank pupils, teachers and school leaders for their resilience since the original buildings were closed in August 2023. We have delivered high-quality temporary modular…27 Jan 2025HANSARDNational Insurance ContributionsUnlike the Conservative party, we are on the side of working parents, and high-quality education will be available to every child. As for the hon. Gentleman’s substantive point,…27 Jan 2025HANSARDNational Insurance ContributionsAs a Government, we have had to take tough decisions to get the public finances back on track. In 2025-26, the entitlements budget will be over £8 billion, with a further £75…27 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsEnsuring that schools and colleges have the resources and buildings that they need is a key part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity. I will be happy to meet the…27 Jan 2025HANSARDFree School MealsOver 13,000 pupils in Knowsley are supported with a healthy and nutritious free meal at lunch time through the Department’s free school meals and universal infant free school…27 Jan 2025HANSARDFree School MealsAs I mentioned, we will keep our approach in all Government programmes, including eligibility for free school meals, under continued review. We are aware of local measures on…27 Jan 2025HANSARDFree School MealsThe Department recognises the valuable role that free school meals play and encourages all parents eligible for the entitlement offer. We will continue to review our approaches…27 Jan 2025HANSARDFree School MealsOur Government are driving an agenda to break down barriers to opportunity and reduce child poverty. Around £1.5 billion is spent annually on free lunches for over 3 million…27 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (First sitting)Q How do local authorities currently discharge their duty to ensure that children receive a suitable education? What impact will the measures in the Bill have on this? Ruth…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (First sitting)Q Thank you both for being witnesses before the Committee. A question to you both: what impact will the Bill have on children and their families entering, or at risk of entering,…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you, Mark. I have a similar question to you, Lynn, but perhaps around the branded school uniform measures. Lynn Perry: Certainly. I am looking at Mark because I know that…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you for being witnesses before the Committee today. My first question is to Mark and Lynn. Mark, you mentioned the benefits of breakfast clubs earlier. Could you say a bit…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Second sitting)Q That is really helpful. Briefly—Katharine, what impact do you think the measures will have on care leavers and the support that they receive? Katharine Sacks-Jones: They are…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Second sitting)Q Dame Rachel, thank you for giving evidence to the Committee today. Returning to the benefits of the Bill, can you explain what you think the benefits of introducing a single…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Second sitting)Q Kate, it is good to see you again. Thank you for giving evidence to the Committee. I have a specific question around school uniform provisions in the Bill. Do you think that the…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Second sitting)Q My second question is about admissions. Do you think that it is important for all schools to at least co-operate with local authorities on school admissions and place planning?…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Second sitting)Q I have two unrelated questions on which I am keen to hear from all three of you. What assessment have you made of the introduction of registers of children not in school and how…21 Jan 2025HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (First sitting)Q That is really helpful. On kinship then, you will be familiar with the independent review of children in social care and the recommendations around kinship carers receiving…21 Jan 2025