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1197973

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Pupils: Academic Year
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions his Department has had with Cabinet colleagues on allowing pupils from reception to year 13 to repeat an academic year in September 2020.
tabling member constituency	Burton
tabling member printed	Kate Griffiths
uin	52518
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2020 answer text <p>We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers.</p><p>Once a child has been admitted to a school it is for the headteacher to decide how best to educate them. This may, on occasion, include deciding that a child should be educated in a year group other than the one indicated by their age. Such decisions should be based on sound educational reasons and in consultation with parents. We do not currently anticipate that children and young people will need to repeat a school year as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak. We continue to look at all options to make sure children and young people get the support they need to continue their education during the COVID-19 outbreak and make up for time spent out of school.</p><p>However, it remains possible for headteachers to agree this in individual cases, if they think it is appropriate.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb grouped question UIN 52519 question first answered 10/06/2020 11:11:59 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4773 label Biography information for Kate Kniveton

1198015

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Schools: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of school closures on children and young people’s (a) mental health and (b) academic attainment in the 2020-21 school year.
tabling member constituency	West Lancashire
tabling member printed	Rosie Cooper
uin	51731
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>The department is continuing to assess the impact of the potential effect of school closure on children and young people’s mental health and education attainment. We are working closely with educational institutions, sector organisations, the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England and Public Health England to understand the risks to education attainment, mental health and wellbeing and identify the children and young people that need help.</p><p>The government remains committed to promoting and supporting the mental health of children and young people. Access to mental health support is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS services remain open, leading mental health charities are being supported to deliver additional services through the £5 million Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund. All NHS Mental Health Trusts have been asked to ensure there are 24/7 open access telephone lines to support people of all ages. Public Health England and Health Education England have developed advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, which is available here:<br> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing</a>.</p><p>Pupil wellbeing is an important consideration within our guidance on actions for educational and childcare settings as they begin to open in June 2020, which is available here:<br> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020</a>.</p><p>From the week commencing 1 June 2020, primary schools have been welcoming back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers). From 15 June 2020, secondary schools will provide some face-to-face support for young people in year 10 and year 12. We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers.</p><p>The department continues to work with the education sector on how best to make up for lost time with the phased return to schools for the 2020-21 school year.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford question first answered 04/06/2020 16:40:52 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	1538 label Biography information for Rosie Cooper

1198016

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Children and Young People: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that children and young people are adequately informed on how to maintain mental wellbeing (a) while the covid-19 restrictions are in place and (b) as covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
tabling member constituency	West Lancashire
tabling member printed	Rosie Cooper
uin	51732
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>The government remains committed to promoting and supporting the mental health of children and young people. Access to mental health support is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS services remain open, leading mental health charities are being supported to deliver additional services through the £5 million Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund. All NHS Mental Health Trusts have been asked to ensure there are 24/7 open access telephone lines to support people of all ages. Public Health England and Health Education England have developed advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, which is available here:<br> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing</a>.</p><p>The department has signposted resources on supporting and promoting mental wellbeing among the list of resources to help children to learn at home. BBC Bitesize has worked with the department to provide content with substantial focus on mental health, wellbeing and pastoral care. The list of resources is available here:<br> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources</a>.</p><p>The return to school will in itself be part of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils as attendance enables social interaction with peers, carers and teachers. Pupil wellbeing is an important consideration within our guidance on actions for educational and childcare settings as they begin to open in June 2020, which is available here:<br> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020</a>.</p><p>Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by texting SHOUT to 85258 or by calling Childline on 0800 1111 or the Mix on 0808 808 4994. Children and young people can also find online information on COVID-19 and mental health on the Young Minds website, which is available here:<br> <a href="https://youngminds.org.uk/about-us/reports/coronavirus-impact-on-young-people-with-mental-health-needs/" target="_blank">https://youngminds.org.uk/about-us/reports/coronavirus-impact-on-young-people-with-mental-health-needs/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford question first answered 04/06/2020 14:32:39 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	1538 label Biography information for Rosie Cooper

1198019

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Teachers: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance the Government has provided for teachers returning to work who live with (a) partners and (b) children with (i) asthma, (ii) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or (iii) another health concern categorised as at risk from covid-19.
tabling member constituency	Enfield North
tabling member printed	Feryal Clark
uin	52595
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>Guidance on GOV.UK on implementing protective measures in schools and nurseries provides advice to staff and pupils who are shielding or clinically vulnerable, or are living with a shielded or clinically vulnerable person: That guidance can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings</a>.</p><p>Clinically vulnerable people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes anyone who has asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).</p><p>Clinically vulnerable people have been advised to take extra care in observing social distancing and should work from home where possible. Schools should endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home. If clinically vulnerable individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever possible.</p><p>If a member of staff lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) they can attend their school or nursery.</p><p>Some people have been informed that they are clinically extremely vulnerable and have been advised to follow shielding guidance. They should therefore not attend work. Some people with severe COPD or severe asthma may have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, and will have received a letter informing them of this.</p><p>If a member of staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, it is advised they only attend work if stringent 2m distancing can be adhered to. If it cannot be adhered to, we do not expect those individuals to attend and they should be supported to work at home.</p><p>Detailed guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 is available on GOV.UK: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#work-and-employment-for-those-who-are-shielding" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#work-and-employment-for-those-who-are-shielding</a>.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 04/06/2020 14:44:58 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4822 label Biography information for Feryal Clark

1198020

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it is the Government's policy that the school meal voucher scheme provided by Edenred and other providers is a temporary measure during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	52379
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>Around 1.3 million children are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals. During this period, we are asking schools to support these children by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. We know that many schools are successfully delivering food parcels or arranging food collections for eligible children and we encourage this approach where it is possible.</p><p> </p><p>However, we recognise that providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all schools. That is why on 31 March we launched a national voucher scheme as an alternative option, with costs covered by the Department for Education.</p><p> </p><p>The purpose of the voucher scheme is to ensure children eligible for benefits related free school meals who are not in school will continue to have access while schools are closed to most pupils due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is not intended to replace long term contractual arrangements.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance on providing free school meals has been updated to reflect that, as schools open more widely and their kitchens reopen, they should provide meal options for all children who are in school, free of charge for those eligible for free schools meals, and should make food parcels available for collection or delivery for any children that are eligible for free school meals who are staying at home. If schools are unable to provide food parcels, they can continue using the national voucher scheme to provide vouchers for children at home.</p><p> </p><p>Schools can also apply to be reimbursed for any additional costs associated with providing free school meals at this time, where those costs are not covered by the national voucher scheme: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The latest advice on free school meals is available on the following link: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 52380 52381 52382 question first answered 04/06/2020 14:14:02 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1198021

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	School Meals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether schools should be serving their pupils with meals provided by their usual suppliers when schools reopen for (a) some year groups on 1 June 2020 and (b) all year groups when lockdown restrictions are eased during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	52380
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>Around 1.3 million children are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals. During this period, we are asking schools to support these children by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. We know that many schools are successfully delivering food parcels or arranging food collections for eligible children and we encourage this approach where it is possible.</p><p> </p><p>However, we recognise that providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all schools. That is why on 31 March we launched a national voucher scheme as an alternative option, with costs covered by the Department for Education.</p><p> </p><p>The purpose of the voucher scheme is to ensure children eligible for benefits related free school meals who are not in school will continue to have access while schools are closed to most pupils due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is not intended to replace long term contractual arrangements.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance on providing free school meals has been updated to reflect that, as schools open more widely and their kitchens reopen, they should provide meal options for all children who are in school, free of charge for those eligible for free schools meals, and should make food parcels available for collection or delivery for any children that are eligible for free school meals who are staying at home. If schools are unable to provide food parcels, they can continue using the national voucher scheme to provide vouchers for children at home.</p><p> </p><p>Schools can also apply to be reimbursed for any additional costs associated with providing free school meals at this time, where those costs are not covered by the national voucher scheme: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The latest advice on free school meals is available on the following link: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 52379 52381 52382 question first answered 04/06/2020 14:14:02 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1198022

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	School Meals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will take steps to encourage schools to use their school meal providers to provide school meals when schools reopen on 1 June 2020 during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	52381
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>Around 1.3 million children are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals. During this period, we are asking schools to support these children by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. We know that many schools are successfully delivering food parcels or arranging food collections for eligible children and we encourage this approach where it is possible.</p><p> </p><p>However, we recognise that providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all schools. That is why on 31 March we launched a national voucher scheme as an alternative option, with costs covered by the Department for Education.</p><p> </p><p>The purpose of the voucher scheme is to ensure children eligible for benefits related free school meals who are not in school will continue to have access while schools are closed to most pupils due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is not intended to replace long term contractual arrangements.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance on providing free school meals has been updated to reflect that, as schools open more widely and their kitchens reopen, they should provide meal options for all children who are in school, free of charge for those eligible for free schools meals, and should make food parcels available for collection or delivery for any children that are eligible for free school meals who are staying at home. If schools are unable to provide food parcels, they can continue using the national voucher scheme to provide vouchers for children at home.</p><p> </p><p>Schools can also apply to be reimbursed for any additional costs associated with providing free school meals at this time, where those costs are not covered by the national voucher scheme: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The latest advice on free school meals is available on the following link: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 52379 52380 52382 question first answered 04/06/2020 14:14:02 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1198023

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	School Meals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if his Department will provide further guidance to schools on using their usual school meal providers when schools reopen during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	52382
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>Around 1.3 million children are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals. During this period, we are asking schools to support these children by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. We know that many schools are successfully delivering food parcels or arranging food collections for eligible children and we encourage this approach where it is possible.</p><p> </p><p>However, we recognise that providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all schools. That is why on 31 March we launched a national voucher scheme as an alternative option, with costs covered by the Department for Education.</p><p> </p><p>The purpose of the voucher scheme is to ensure children eligible for benefits related free school meals who are not in school will continue to have access while schools are closed to most pupils due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is not intended to replace long term contractual arrangements.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance on providing free school meals has been updated to reflect that, as schools open more widely and their kitchens reopen, they should provide meal options for all children who are in school, free of charge for those eligible for free schools meals, and should make food parcels available for collection or delivery for any children that are eligible for free school meals who are staying at home. If schools are unable to provide food parcels, they can continue using the national voucher scheme to provide vouchers for children at home.</p><p> </p><p>Schools can also apply to be reimbursed for any additional costs associated with providing free school meals at this time, where those costs are not covered by the national voucher scheme: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The latest advice on free school meals is available on the following link: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools</a>.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford grouped question UIN 52379 52380 52381 question first answered 04/06/2020 14:14:02 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1198029

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Further Education: Finance
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the Government plans to allocate additional to support colleges providing education to 16-18 year olds from September 2020.
tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
uin	51984
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>The government previously announced on 31 August 2019 that it will invest an extra £400 million in 16 to 19 education in 2020-21. This is the largest injection of money in a single year since 2010 and represents an increase of 7% in overall 16 to 19 funding. As part of this, the base rate of 16 to 19 funding will increase by 4.7% in the academic year 2020/21, from £4,000 to £4,188.</p><p>The Education and Skills Funding Agency allocations for 2020-21 have been confirmed, and payments will be made in line with the national profile, which will be confirmed in the relevant 2020-21 funding rules. This should provide the funding certainty required to address the impact of responding to COVID-19.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Chichester answering member printed Gillian Keegan question first answered 04/06/2020 12:30:12 answering member 4680 label Biography information for Gillian Keegan
tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1198035

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Students: Disability
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when the Student Loans Company tender for assistive technology services (ATSP Equipment & Training / 2019-SLC-002) is planned to be completed.
tabling member constituency	Huddersfield
tabling member printed	Mr Barry Sheerman
uin	51578
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2020 answer text <p>Due to a number of pressures on the Student Loans Company (SLC), it has not been possible to progress with the tender approval process.</p><p>The tender approval process has therefore been paused until 31 July, by which time the SLC should be able to provide a revised timeline for the tender.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan question first answered 10/06/2020 16:14:13 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	411 label Biography information for Mr Barry Sheerman