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1131316

	registered interest
	date	11/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Apprentices: Minimum Wage
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on increasing the apprenticeship rates of the National Minimum Wage.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	263126
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/06/2019 answer text <p>As Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, I work with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the annual remit for the Low Pay Commission (LPC), who are responsible for making recommendations to the government about minimum rates of pay including the Apprenticeship Minimum Wage.</p><p>The government implemented in full the LPC’s 2019 recommendations. These included an apprentice rate as well as taking into account the long-term benefits that apprentices derive from training, the needs of employers and individual sectors and wider labour market pressures.</p><p>The current Apprentice National Minimum Wage rate rose to £3.90 per hour in April 2019, up from £3.70 per hour. This is a 5.4% increase and the apprentice rate is now at a record high in nominal and real terms. The LPC estimate that this rise will benefit up to 36,000 apprentices.</p> answering member constituency Guildford answering member printed Anne Milton question first answered 17/06/2019 18:43:57 answering member 1523 label Biography information for Anne Milton
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1126803

	registered interest
	date	15/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Students: Loans
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much money has been repaid to the Student Loans Company in each of the last three years.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	254787
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>Statistics covering student loans, debt and repayment are published annually by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The statistics are published separately for each government administration. Information on repayments by financial year can be found in table 1 of each of the publications:</p><p><a href="https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/student-loans-debt-and-repayment.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/student-loans-debt-and-repayment.aspx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The next release in the student loans, debt and repayment series is confirmed for 13 June 2019, which will include repayment statistics for the financial year 2018-19.</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 21/05/2019 16:30:13 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1125421

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	STEM Subjects: Higher Education
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to encourage students to study STEM subjects at university.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	251988
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/05/2019 answer text <p>The department is encouraging more students into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and training at all stages from primary school to higher education. We are improving careers advice in schools so that young people are aware of the high quality options available for both technical and academic routes into STEM. They also have access to information about the variety of careers that STEM pathways have to offer. STEM activities, including employer talks and work visits, are built into school career programmes and the Careers &amp; Enterprise Company funds opportunities for young people to meet a wide range of STEM employers.</p><p>As part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy, the government has committed substantial spending on mathematics, digital and technical education to increase the take-up and better teaching of STEM subjects in schools. For example, the department is funding an £84 million programme to improve computing teaching and participation, and the Advanced Maths Premium, which aims to support schools and colleges in tackling some of the financial barriers to increase participation in post-16 maths. We also fund the Stimulating Physics Network and Isaac Physics to improve the take up of physics post-16, especially among girls.</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 16/05/2019 15:18:44 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1125422

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	English Language and Mathematics: GCSE
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he plans to introduce Essential skills Maths and English for students with lower levels of attainment in respect of the GCSE curriculum.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	251989
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/05/2019 answer text <p>The government recognises the importance of English and maths both in work and everyday life. In England, we want to ensure that pupils benefit from reformed GCSEs, which are the gold standard qualification at 16. The new GCSEs are better at equipping young people with the literacy and numeracy required for further study and employment.</p><p> </p><p>Students in England who leave school without a GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and maths have to continue studying these subjects.</p><p> </p><p>Post-16 students with prior attainment of a GCSE grade 2 or below have a choice of which qualification to study including GCSEs and functional skills qualifications. We are reforming functional skills qualifications to improve their rigour and relevance, as well as improving their recognition amongst employers.</p> answering member constituency Guildford answering member printed Anne Milton question first answered 14/05/2019 09:37:05 answering member 1523 label Biography information for Anne Milton
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1125424

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Schools: Racial Discrimination
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to tackle racist behaviour in schools.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	251990
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/05/2019 answer text <p>Schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy that outlines measures to prevent racist and other forms of bullying. The Department produces guidance for head teachers and school staff on developing school behaviour policy. The full guidance can be viewed at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/488034/Behaviour_and_Discipline_in_Schools_-_A_guide_for_headteachers_and_School_Staff.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/488034/Behaviour_and_Discipline_in_Schools_-_A_guide_for_headteachers_and_School_Staff.pdf</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Under the Equalities Act 2010, schools are under a duty take steps to eliminate harassment, foster good relations, and advance equality of opportunity.</p><p> </p><p>Ofsted considers how a school complies with its statutory duties and promotes equality of opportunity, and holds schools to account for racism or other behaviour issues.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 16/05/2019 13:02:03 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1110711

	registered interest
	date	09/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Class Sizes
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking so that classes are not overcrowded and children get the attention they need in the classroom.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	242785
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/04/2019 answer text <p>In 2018, overall, there were 340 fewer schools that were at or over capacity compared with 2010.</p><p> </p><p>Delivering new school places is a top priority for the Government. The Department has committed £7 billion to deliver new school places between 2015 and 2021, on top of investment in the free schools programme. 921,000 additional school places were created between May 2010 and May 2018 and one million places are on track to be created this decade (2010 to 2020), the largest increase in school capacity for at least two generations.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 17/04/2019 13:54:55 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1110712

	registered interest
	date	09/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Education: Parents
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department is taking to encourage parents to help their children with their homework and education.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	242786
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/04/2019 answer text <p>Teachers are best placed to determine the homework that best supports pupils in their education. Whilst parental support is important if their children are to gain maximum benefit, homework is generally designed to foster independent study.</p><p> </p><p>Ultimately, the responsibility for a child’s education is a shared one. Parental involvement makes an important difference, from the very earliest stage. In the early years, parents can support their child’s development through, for example, storytelling, reading or singing together. In the school years, parents should take a full interest in their children’s education. Parents also have an important role in developing their children’s character traits such as conscientiousness, drive and perseverance, to help them succeed both in and out of school.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 17/04/2019 14:06:44 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1110713

	registered interest
	date	09/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Special Educational Needs: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he plans to increase funding for special educational needs.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	242787
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/04/2019 answer text <p>The funding of children with special educational needs (SEN) is a devolved issue.</p><p>In December 2018, the government announced that it would allocate an additional £250 million in revenue funding for pupils with complex SEN across England, across the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20. The allocation to each local authority can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-needs-funding-arrangements-2019-to-2020" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-needs-funding-arrangements-2019-to-2020</a>.</p><p>We will also, of course, be making a strong case in the next spending review to ensure that the high needs budget provides the funds for schools to make the right provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 16/04/2019 13:01:24 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1110714

	registered interest
	date	09/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	First Aid: Curriculum
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he plan to introduce first aid to the national curriculum.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	242788
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government wants all young people to be happy, healthy and safe; equipping them for adult life and to make a positive contribution to society. That is why we are making Relationships Education compulsory for all primary pupils, and Relationships and Sex Education compulsory for all secondary pupils from September 2020.</p><p>The updated draft guidance sets out that as part of health education, primary school pupils will be taught how to make a clear and efficient call to the emergency services and basic first aid, for example dealing with common injuries including head injuries. Secondary school pupils will build on the primary level knowledge. They will be taught how to administer CPR at an appropriate age, what a defibrillator is and when it should be used. The updated draft guidance can be accessed via the following link: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/relationships-and-sex-education-and-health-education" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/relationships-and-sex-education-and-health-education</a>.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 15/04/2019 15:23:52 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson

1110715

	registered interest
	date	09/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Students: Plagiarism
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students had their university degree award rescinded due to cheating or plagiarism in each of the last three years.
	tabling member constituency	Upper Bann
	tabling member printed	David Simpson
	uin	242789
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>The information requested on degrees rescinded because of academic offenses is not held centrally. In 2016, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) found there were approximately 17,000 instances of academic offences per year in the UK.</p><p>The use of companies that sell bespoke essays to students who pass the work off as their own undermines the reputation of the education system in this country, and devalues the hard work of those succeeding on their own merit.</p><p>The government expects that educational institutions do everything in their power to prevent students being tempted by these companies. The most recent guidance from the QAA highlights the importance of severe sanctions of suspension or expulsion if ‘extremely serious academic misconduct’ has been discovered.</p><p>On 20 March, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education challenged PayPal to stop processing payments for ‘essay mills’ as part of an accelerated drive to preserve and champion the quality of the UK’s world-leading higher education system. PayPal is now working with businesses associated with essay-writing services to ensure its platform is not used to facilitate deceptive and fraudulent practices in education.</p><p>Google and YouTube have also responded by removing hundreds of advertisements for essay writing services and promotional content from their sites.</p><p>In addition, the department published an Education Technology strategy on 3 April which challenges tech companies to identify how anti-cheating software can tackle the growth of essay mills and stay one step ahead of the cheats. This strategy can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/realising-the-potential-of-technology-in-education" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/realising-the-potential-of-technology-in-education</a>.</p><p>We are determined to beat the cheats who threaten the integrity of our higher education system.</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 23/04/2019 16:46:19 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore previous answer version 114376 answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	1597 label Biography information for David Simpson