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1236763

registered interest
date	22/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Pupils: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students have been absent from school since 1 September 2020 as a result of a pupil in their (a) bubble and (b) school having covid-19 symptoms and awaiting a test.
tabling member constituency	Luton North
tabling member printed	Sarah Owen
uin	93699
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/09/2020 answer text <p>It is a priority for the Government to keep close track of the situation in schools in relation to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. The Department is currently collecting data from schools on a daily basis, as well as gathering information from local areas and following up with individual settings to confirm that procedures for requiring pupils to isolate are well understood and that necessary decisions are made on the basis of public health advice.</p><p> </p><p>We collect data on the number of schools that have indicated they have sent children home due to COVID-19 containment measures and have attendance data for schools that have done so. The Department’s published data on school openings and attendance, shows that 94% of state-funded schools were fully open on 17 September. For responding schools which were not fully open on 17 September, 4% said they were not fully open due to suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. Approximately 87% of pupils on roll in state-funded schools were in attendance on 17 September. Attendance estimates include pupils absent for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related reasons. More information on this data is available at: <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak" target="_blank">https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak</a>.</p><p> </p><p>From the autumn term, pupils in all year groups were asked to return to school full-time. Our latest guidance on full opening sets out the public health advice schools should follow and how we expect schools to operate in the autumn term. The guidance is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools</a>.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 25/09/2020 12:40:04 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4777 label Biography information for Sarah Owen

1236020

registered interest
date	21/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Assessments
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, in reference to a letter of 18 June 2020 from the Secretary of State to the Chief Regulator of Ofqual, what the evidential basis is for the statement that exams are the best fairest form of assessment.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	92816
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/09/2020 answer text <p>The Department reformed GCSEs and A levels from 2011 to be in line with the highest performing education systems. We consulted widely with schools, colleges, universities and employers, both on the principles for reform and the detail of the content of individual subjects, to help them prepare for their introduction. The move to a linear exams system encourages a deeper understanding of the material and facilitates greater preparation for further study, rather than a focus on preparing for module resits.</p><p>The independent qualifications regulator, Ofqual, advised that non-exam assessment (NEA) should only be used when it is the only valid way to assess essential elements of the subject. For example, NEA is still required in modern foreign languages (the speaking assessment) and in art and design.</p><p>Research suggests that there is evidence that students’ characteristics can influence teacher judgements. We therefore continue to believe that exams are the best and fairest way of judging students’ performance. Following the difficulties experienced with awarding grades without exams this summer, we are determined that exams should go ahead next year.</p><p>The Department will continue to work with school and college stakeholders, Ofqual and the exam boards, to ensure that exams in 2021 are fair and proceed smoothly.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb grouped question UIN 92818 question first answered 24/09/2020 16:46:25 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1236022

registered interest
date	21/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Assessments
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the oral Answer of 7 September 2020 by the Minister for School Standards, Official Report, column 350, what comparative assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) continuous assessment, (b) coursework and (c) exams in assessing student's performance.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	92818
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/09/2020 answer text <p>The Department reformed GCSEs and A levels from 2011 to be in line with the highest performing education systems. We consulted widely with schools, colleges, universities and employers, both on the principles for reform and the detail of the content of individual subjects, to help them prepare for their introduction. The move to a linear exams system encourages a deeper understanding of the material and facilitates greater preparation for further study, rather than a focus on preparing for module resits.</p><p>The independent qualifications regulator, Ofqual, advised that non-exam assessment (NEA) should only be used when it is the only valid way to assess essential elements of the subject. For example, NEA is still required in modern foreign languages (the speaking assessment) and in art and design.</p><p>Research suggests that there is evidence that students’ characteristics can influence teacher judgements. We therefore continue to believe that exams are the best and fairest way of judging students’ performance. Following the difficulties experienced with awarding grades without exams this summer, we are determined that exams should go ahead next year.</p><p>The Department will continue to work with school and college stakeholders, Ofqual and the exam boards, to ensure that exams in 2021 are fair and proceed smoothly.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb grouped question UIN 92816 question first answered 24/09/2020 16:46:25 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1236029

registered interest
date	21/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	GCE A-level: Assessments
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he requested data on the effect of the algorithm generated 2020 A-level results on the attainment gap between the date his Department received those results results and the publication of those results.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	92824
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/09/2020 answer text <p>The Department was made aware of provisional data showing the impact of the proposed awarding process on attainment gaps between different groups of students shortly before Ofqual published those data in July 2020. The provisional data showed that there would generally be no widening of the gaps in attainment between different groups of students as a result of the proposed awarding process. The Department was provided with finalised data shortly before A and AS level results day as part of the standard pre-release of results, and this confirmed that this position had not changed.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 24/09/2020 15:15:27 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1236299

registered interest
date	21/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Department for Education: Equality
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many people his Department and its agencies employ in teams working on issues relating to diversity, equality or inclusion.
tabling member constituency	Harborough
tabling member printed	Neil O'Brien
uin	92888
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/09/2020 answer text <p>The Department currently has eight employees in central teams who work directly on issues relating to diversity, equality and inclusion. We do not, however, hold data on further teams across the Department who might work on these issues as part of their wider role.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 24/09/2020 15:18:11 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien

1235808

registered interest
date	18/09/2020
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, whether (a) primary school teachers and (b) other teaching staff who have been in contact with a school bubble in which there has been a confirmed case of covid-19 and who have been asked to self-isolate but are asymptomatic are eligible for a covid-19 test.
tabling member constituency	Ealing North
tabling member printed	James Murray
uin	91811
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/09/2020 answer text <p>Unless an individual has been specifically asked to do so by a clinician, it is vital that only those who have developed symptoms of COVID-19 get tested. The NHS Test and Trace system must stay focused on testing those with symptoms of COVID-19. The test is most effective for those who are experiencing symptoms.</p><p>Anyone who is self isolating as a result of being a close contact of a confirmed case but does not have symptoms should not request a test. This includes if that case was identified in school or college.</p><p>The latest clinical advice is that testing of individuals without symptoms should only be used where clinically appropriate, predominantly for outbreak investigation and infection control. This risk based approach ensures that testing is targeted where it is most effective.</p><p>All children, young people and staff have access to a test if they display symptoms of COVID-19 and should get tested in this scenario.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 23/09/2020 16:26:08 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4797 label Biography information for James Murray

1235601

registered interest
date	17/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Education: Wirral
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of (a) schools and (b) colleges in Wirral that are facing difficulties in keeping fully open to students as a result of delays in teachers or their family members getting covid-19 test results.
tabling member constituency	Wirral West
tabling member printed	Margaret Greenwood
uin	91664
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/09/2020 answer text <p>Keeping close track of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in schools is a priority to the Government. The Department is currently collecting data from schools on a daily basis, as well as gathering information from local areas and following up with individual settings to confirm that procedures for requiring pupils to isolate are well understood and that necessary decisions are made on the basis of public health advice.</p><p>Testing capacity is the highest it has ever been, and we are working to provide further priority access for teachers. The home testing kits supplied to schools and colleges are only for those who develop the symptoms of COVID-19 and face significant barriers to accessing a test. In particular, these tests kits will help symptomatic staff who test negative, and are not close contacts of confirmed cases, to get back to work as soon as they feel well enough.</p><p>The Department collects data on the number of schools that have indicated that they have sent children home due to COVID-19 containment measures and have attendance data for schools that have done so. We are currently looking at the quality of the data with a view to publishing it as part of the official statistics series. The series includes published data on school openings and attendance, which shows that over 99.9% of state-funded schools were open on 10 September and that attendance in state-funded schools was 88%. More information is available at: <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak" target="_blank">https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak</a>.</p><p>Public Health England (PHE) leads in holding data on infection, incidence and COVID-19 cases overall. PHE have published data on COVID-19 incidents by institution, including educational settings, which can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-covid-19-surveillance-reports" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-covid-19-surveillance-reports</a> (page 16).</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb grouped question UIN 91665 question first answered 22/09/2020 16:29:48 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4400 label Biography information for Margaret Greenwood

1235602

registered interest
date	17/09/2020
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 estimate his Department has made of the number of schools in England that are facing difficulties in keeping fully open to pupils because of delays in teachers or their family members getting covid-19 test results.
tabling member constituency	Wirral West
tabling member printed	Margaret Greenwood
uin	91665
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/09/2020 answer text <p>Keeping close track of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in schools is a priority to the Government. The Department is currently collecting data from schools on a daily basis, as well as gathering information from local areas and following up with individual settings to confirm that procedures for requiring pupils to isolate are well understood and that necessary decisions are made on the basis of public health advice.</p><p>Testing capacity is the highest it has ever been, and we are working to provide further priority access for teachers. The home testing kits supplied to schools and colleges are only for those who develop the symptoms of COVID-19 and face significant barriers to accessing a test. In particular, these tests kits will help symptomatic staff who test negative, and are not close contacts of confirmed cases, to get back to work as soon as they feel well enough.</p><p>The Department collects data on the number of schools that have indicated that they have sent children home due to COVID-19 containment measures and have attendance data for schools that have done so. We are currently looking at the quality of the data with a view to publishing it as part of the official statistics series. The series includes published data on school openings and attendance, which shows that over 99.9% of state-funded schools were open on 10 September and that attendance in state-funded schools was 88%. More information is available at: <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak" target="_blank">https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak</a>.</p><p>Public Health England (PHE) leads in holding data on infection, incidence and COVID-19 cases overall. PHE have published data on COVID-19 incidents by institution, including educational settings, which can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-covid-19-surveillance-reports" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-covid-19-surveillance-reports</a> (page 16).</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb grouped question UIN 91664 question first answered 22/09/2020 16:29:48 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4400 label Biography information for Margaret Greenwood

1235045

registered interest
date	16/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Department for Education: Correspondence
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his Department's average reply time has been for ministerial letters in each of the last five months.
tabling member constituency	Hornsey and Wood Green
tabling member printed	Catherine West
uin	91113
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/09/2020 answer text <p>The Department for Education aims to respond to all ministerial correspondence within 18 days of receipt. Due to the increase in correspondence received since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the average reply time (in working days) for ministerial letters due during each month from April to August this year exceeds the 18-day target, as set out in the table below:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Month Due</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Average D</strong><strong>ays to </strong><strong>Respond</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>April</p></td><td><p>32</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>May</p></td><td><p>36</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>June</p></td><td><p>33</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>July</p></td><td><p>45</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>August</p></td><td><p>36</p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 22/09/2020 13:18:28 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4523 label Biography information for Catherine West

1235047

registered interest
date	16/09/2020
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Teachers: Veterans
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of applications to the Troops to Teachers scheme were successful in each year since 2018.
tabling member constituency	Berwick-upon-Tweed
tabling member printed	Anne-Marie Trevelyan
uin	91115
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/09/2020 answer text <p>The Troops to Teachers programme was closed in 2017 and replaced by a new Troops to Teachers initial teacher training bursary that became available in September 2018. The Department does not hold information centrally on the characteristics of people who are in receipt of the Troops to Teachers bursary.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb grouped question UIN 91116 91117 91118 question first answered 22/09/2020 13:19:24 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan