Contributions
727 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMental Health Support: SchoolsI am happy to hear about the successful project in my hon. Friend’s constituency, and I am interested to learn more as we share further details. Separately, to support education…16 Jun 2025HANSARDSchool EstateThe hon. Member has not been shy in lobbying me on these issues, but I would be very happy to meet him again. He will know that the Department provides advice and support on a…16 Jun 2025HANSARDMental Health Support: SchoolsThe Secretary of State has recently met the parent carer forum to discuss these issues and will continue to do so. We are committed to introducing more mental health support…16 Jun 2025HANSARDMental Health Support: SchoolsThe difference is that we are delivering it to every school in our country to make sure that every child can succeed and thrive.16 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI completely agree with my hon. Friend. Providing over half a million children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds with a free, nutritious lunch every school day will lead to…16 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsAround 50 mainstream private schools close each year. The level of fees charged by private schools is not a matter for the Department; it is a contractual matter between private…16 Jun 2025HANSARDSchool EstateThis Government are committed to sustained investment to improve the school estate, in order to give children the best start in life. We will increase annual capital investment…16 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank the hon. Member for raising this important project. I can confirm that works at Angel Hill free school are expected to commence in September 2025 subject to the contract…16 Jun 2025HANSARDSmartphones in SchoolsI repeat my earlier answer: legislation is not necessary, because schools already have the power to ban phones in schools, and the majority have chosen to do so.16 Jun 2025HANSARDSmartphones in SchoolsI will take no lectures from the Conservatives on this issue. When they were in government, they exclaimed that the same guidance meant a consistent approach across schools. I…16 Jun 2025HANSARDSmartphones in SchoolsIs that all that the right hon. Lady can go on? After 14 years, the Conservatives broke the education system. As I said, guidance is already in place for schools, and the majority…16 Jun 2025HANSARDSmartphones in SchoolsI think that shows that schools actually have the power to do this. It is worth saying that everyone, including parents, schools and providers, is responsible for ensuring that…16 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe have significantly increased investment to improve the condition of schools or rebuild them; ensuring that schools have the resources and buildings that they need is key to our…16 Jun 2025HANSARDSmartphones in SchoolsMobile phones have no place in our schools. Government guidance is clear that schools should prohibit the use of devices with smart technology throughout the school day. If pupils…16 Jun 2025HANSARD Free School MealsWe of course want to ensure that all families that are eligible for this roll-out benefit from it. Working with other Government Departments, we want to make the process as simple…05 Jun 2025HANSARD Free School MealsThat is absolutely right: promise made, promise delivered. I am so delighted that my hon. Friend has been raising these issues with us and that we are now getting on and…05 Jun 2025HANSARD Free School MealsThe hon. Gentleman is a real champion on these issues. He will appreciate that education is a devolved matter. The spending review next week will set out details on the Barnett…05 Jun 2025HANSARD Free School MealsWe know that too many life chances are scarred by poverty, which affects children up and down our country. Levels of poverty have increased by 900,000 since 2010. It is worth…05 Jun 2025HANSARD Free School MealsIf we are to get the benefits right on free school meals, we must ensure that the quality of the food is nutritious for all children. As I mentioned in my statement, this is good…05 Jun 2025HANSARD Free School MealsThe new entitlement is fully funded and will support schools to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals that meet school food standards to over half a million additional pupils. As…05 Jun 2025