Contributions
727 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank my hon. Friend for his question. Early years provision was cast off under the Tories, and we are bringing it back into the fold as a crucial part of our education system.…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionSince joining the House, my hon. Friend has already become a champion for children and young people in his constituency. He raises a number of points—about childminders, support…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank my hon. Friend for his question. I have heard that message loud and clear from parents in constituencies up and down the country. Where providers seek to put up fresh…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank my hon. Friend for his question and congratulate him on being selected for the Select Committee. I agree that we should be shocked by the Conservatives’ response to…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank my hon. Friend for his question. I am absolutely delighted to hear of his enthusiasm for the scheme, which will make a huge difference to communities up and down our…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank the hon. Member for his statement and welcome him to his place. As he identified, there are some core challenges for the early years sector in delivering the Government’s…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank my hon. Friend for her tireless work speaking up for children, young people and parents up and down the country. As she rightly says, we are working hard with the early…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank my hon. Friend for his question; he is absolutely right. The pandemic had a huge impact on children’s lives, and our investment in early interventions around speech and…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI thank the shadow Minister for his response, and welcome him to his place. I know that he will want to be a keen champion for the early years sector, and I was glad to hear him…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionWith permission, I will make a statement on the Government’s plans to deliver additional places in school-based nurseries, and a clarification on Government action on so-called…17 Oct 2024HANSARD Government’s Childcare ExpansionI always enjoy responding to questions from the hon. Gentleman. On my visit in April to Belfast, I heard that childcare is a huge issue for the community. I assure him that there…17 Oct 2024HANSARDVAT: Independent SchoolsI thank the Opposition for bringing forward the debate. While the focus has been on private schools and the implications of the planned tax changes, it has allowed us to consider…08 Oct 2024HANSARDVAT: Independent SchoolsI am going to make some progress. The right hon. Gentleman spoke earlier. I know that many Members are concerned about children with SEND. [Interruption.] Members can shout as…08 Oct 2024HANSARDPrivate School ClosuresI thank my hon. Friend for his question and welcome him back to this place. He is a tireless champion for children in his constituency and regularly speaks up on local schools. I…09 Sept 2024HANSARDPrivate School ClosuresThis Government’s ambition is that all children and young people with SEND receive the right support to succeed in their education as they move into adult life. We are committed…09 Sept 2024HANSARDTopical 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 and give every young person…09 Sept 2024HANSARDPrivate School ClosuresI welcome the right hon. Member to his place, and I very much look forward to working with him to ensure that every child gets the best start in life. The number of children in…09 Sept 2024HANSARDPrivate School ClosuresExcluding private special schools, around 50 private schools close each year. There are a range of reasons for closure, including financial viability and departmental action where…09 Sept 2024HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing BillThe children’s wellbeing Bill will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows. The Bill aims to put children and their wellbeing at the centre of the education and…09 Sept 2024HANSARDChildren's Wellbeing BillI thank my hon. Friend for his question. Breakfast clubs are about more than just food: they provide opportunities for children to play, to learn and to socialise at the start of…09 Sept 2024