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1658307
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2023-09-05more like thismore than 2023-09-05
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Schools: Erith and Thamesmead more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has (a) contacted every school in Erith and Thamesmead constituency that may be affected by the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), (b) assigned a caseworker to each affected school and (c) informed the relevant local authority of their (i) findings and (ii) actions. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 197920 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2023-09-18more like thismore than 2023-09-18
answer text <p>Nothing is more important than the safety of children and staff. It has always been the case that where we are made aware of a building that may pose an immediate risk, the Department takes immediate action.</p><p>It is the responsibility of those who run schools – academy trusts, Local Authorities, and voluntary-aided school bodies – who work with their schools on a day-to-day basis, to manage the safety and maintenance of their schools and to alert us if there is a concern with a building.</p><p>The Department has acted decisively and proactively to tackle this issue. This Government has taken more proactive action on RAAC than any other in the UK. The Department issued comprehensive guidance in 2018, and subsequent years, to all responsible bodies highlighting the potential risks associated with RAAC and supporting them to identify this within their buildings, as well as to take appropriate steps in meeting their obligations to keep buildings safe. The most recent guidance is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance</a>.</p><p>There are over 22,000 schools and colleges in England, and the vast majority are unaffected. A significant proportion of the estate was built outside the period where RAAC was used, with around one third of the estate built since 2001, therefore, the Department has focused efforts on buildings built in the post-war decades.</p><p>The Department issued a questionnaire in March 2022, asking responsible bodies to inform the Department of any suspected RAAC identified in their estates. Responsible bodies have submitted questionnaires for over 98% of schools with blocks built in the target era, of which there are 14,900. We are pressing all remaining schools to get checks completed, to determine which schools require surveys.</p><p>The Department is contacting responsible bodies to help them respond to this request and to advise on what needs to be done, so that they can establish whether they believe they have RAAC. This work will continue until we have a response for all target era schools.</p><p>Schools and colleges where RAAC is suspected are being fast tracked for surveying, which is used to confirm whether RAAC is actually present. All schools and colleges that have already told us they suspect they might have RAAC will be surveyed within a matter of weeks, in many cases in a matter of days.</p><p>All schools where RAAC is confirmed are provided with a dedicated caseworker to support them and help implement a mitigation plan and minimise the disruption to children’s learning.</p><p>Across Government, Departments have been asked to report on the current picture of suspected and confirmed RAAC in their estates as soon as possible. This will be updated on a regular basis as new buildings are identified and surveying and remediation are carried out. The Department for Education published lists of education settings confirmed as having RAAC on Wednesday 6 September, and committed to providing further updates.</p><p>Schools will contact parents where RAAC is identified and inform them of any impacts on their child. The vast majority of schools are unaffected. Any parents that are unsure if their child’s school is affected should contact their school directly.</p><p>While some short term disruption is inevitable, all available measures will be taken to minimise disruption to pupil learning and ensure that pupils continue to receive face-to-face teaching. Where there is any disturbance to face-to-face education, schools will prioritise attendance for vulnerable children and young people and children of key workers. The guidance published by the Department in August also includes guidance on provision for pupils with SEND and sets out expectations that schools continue to provide free school meals to eligible pupils.</p><p>The Department will fund emergency mitigation work needed to make buildings safe, including installing alternative classroom space where necessary. Where schools and colleges need additional help with revenue costs, like transport to locations or temporarily renting a local hall or office, the department will provide that support for all reasonable requests. The Department will also fund longer term refurbishment projects, or rebuilding projects where these are needed, to rectify the RAAC issue in the long term.</p><p>All previously confirmed Schol Rebuilding Programme projects announced in 2021 and 2022 will continue to go ahead. A full list of confirmed projects can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme-schools-in-the-programme" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-rebuilding-programme-schools-in-the-programme</a>.</p><p>Further information on RAAC in education settings is available on the Education Hub: <a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/06/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/" target="_blank">https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/06/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/</a><a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/new-guidance-on-raac-in-education-settings/" target="_blank">.</a></p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
grouped question UIN
195297 more like this
195298 more like this
195299 more like this
197045 more like this
197366 more like this
197369 more like this
197478 more like this
197492 more like this
197557 more like this
197558 more like this
197559 more like this
197603 more like this
197613 more like this
197809 more like this
197863 more like this
197864 more like this
197870 more like this
197971 more like this
197972 more like this
197973 more like this
197974 more like this
198246 more like this
198247 more like this
198255 more like this
198384 more like this
198393 more like this
198465 more like this
198466 more like this
198467 more like this
198572 more like this
198573 more like this
198575 more like this
199083 more like this
199254 more like this
199665 more like this
199666 more like this
199670 more like this
question first answered
less than 2023-09-18T20:03:34.107Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-18T20:03:34.107Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter
1302569
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2021-03-15more like thismore than 2021-03-15
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading GCE A-level and GCSE: Assessments more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what process his Department has put in place to allow private candidates to be assessed effectively following the cancellation of GCSE and A Level exams in 2021. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 169070 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2021-03-18more like thismore than 2021-03-18
answer text <p>The Department and Ofqual have ensured there is a clear and accessible route for private candidates to receive a grade this year, at the same time as other candidates.</p><p>Private candidates can work with a centre to be assessed on a range of evidence, which could include evidence from an established educational provider and the board-provided assessment materials. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) have issued guidance for centres about assessing private candidates, taking into account their different circumstances. These candidates should have the same opportunity as other students to be assessed on what they were taught, and centres can conduct assessments remotely if needed. Further guidance on assessing all candidates (including private candidates) will be published before the end of March.</p><p>We are working with the sector to ensure there are enough centres available to support private candidates, and JCQ will publish a list of available centres by the end of March, giving private candidates the opportunity to find a centre at a similar cost to a normal year. The exam boards have committed that private candidates will not be charged late fees if entries are received by 26 April. To support centres with the additional requirements of assessing private candidates this year, and avoid the cost being passed on to candidates, we are providing a grant for centres to claim £200 per private candidate entry. The Government is encouraging all available exams centres to sign up to help these candidates achieve their qualifications in this exceptional year.</p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2021-03-18T16:38:49.51Zmore like thismore than 2021-03-18T16:38:49.51Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter
1249550
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-11-09more like thismore than 2020-11-09
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Schools: Coronavirus more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what measures to prevent infection are in place for children of medically vulnerable parents returning to school. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 113258 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-11-17more like thismore than 2020-11-17
answer text <p>Schools continue to remain open for all children and young people, as they have been since the start of the autumn term, for the duration of the New National Restrictions. Being at school is vital for the education and wellbeing of children. It continues to be our aim that all pupils, in all year groups, remain in school full-time.</p><p>The risk to children themselves of becoming severely ill from COVID-19 is very low. For the vast majority of children, the benefits of being back in the classroom far outweigh the low risk from COVID-19, and schools can take action to reduce risks still further.</p><p>The Department has published actions for schools during the COVID-19 outbreak, to support schools in welcoming back all children from the start of the autumn term. The full guidance is available through the following link: <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><p>Schools should continue to undertake risk assessments and implement the system of controls set out in this guidance. These measures provide a framework for school leaders to put in place proportionate protective measures for all pupils and staff. If schools follow the above guidance and maximise control measures, they can be confident they are managing risk effectively. The measures in place include regular handwashing, promoting good respiratory hygiene, and minimising contact between individuals.</p><p>From 5 November 2020, following guidance for education settings during the New National Restrictions, children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, but who are not clinically extremely vulnerable themselves, should continue to attend education. The guidance for education settings during the New National Restrictions can be viewed here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-and-childcare-settings-new-national-restrictions-from-5-november-2020#schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-and-childcare-settings-new-national-restrictions-from-5-november-2020#schools</a>.</p><p>New guidance for shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 was published on 4 November. The guidance is available through the following link: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/advice-for-people-at-high-risk/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk/advice-for-people-at-high-risk/</a>.</p><p>If parents have concerns about their child attending school because they consider that they, or members of their household, may have particular risk factors, they should discuss these with their school.</p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-11-17T15:34:13.1Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-17T15:34:13.1Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter
1247937
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-11-02more like thismore than 2020-11-02
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Teachers: Coronavirus more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to Public Health England's report entitled Covid-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes, what additional support he is providing to teachers who are more vulnerable to covid-19 during the November 2020 covid-19 lockdown. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 110272 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-11-05more like thismore than 2020-11-05
answer text <p><strong><br> </strong>We have worked closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Public Health England (PHE) to develop specific guidance for school settings, which can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#school-workforce" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#school-workforce</a>. DHSC and PHE endorsed system of controls outlined in our guidance sets out the measures that school leaders and all school staff should follow.</p><p>Where schools implement the system of controls outlined in our guidance, in line with their own workplace risk assessment, DHSC and PHE confirm that these measures create an inherently safer environment for children and staff where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially reduced. As a result, on current evidence, DHSC and PHE advise that schools are not currently considered high risk settings when compared to other workplace environments.</p><p>Some people with particular characteristics may be at comparatively increased risk from COVID-19, as set out in the ‘COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes’ report. These staff can attend school as long as the system of controls set out in the published guidance are in place, as set out above.</p><p>While the national restrictions introduced from 5 November are in force, those individuals who are clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to work from home where possible and not to go into work. Individuals in this group will have been identified through a letter from the NHS or from their GP, and may have been advised to shield in the past. Staff should talk to their employers about how they will be supported, including to work from home where possible, during the period of national restrictions. All other staff can continue to attend work, including those living in a household with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.</p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-11-05T16:01:28.527Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-05T16:01:28.527Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter
1235210
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-09-16more like thismore than 2020-09-16
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Schools: Coronavirus more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department has published for schools on (a) parents, (b) pupils and (c) teachers with covid-19 symptoms who are unable to access a covid-19 test. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 91172 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-09-22more like thismore than 2020-09-22
answer text <p>All schools and further education colleges have been sent an initial supply of home testing kits that they can give directly to parents or carers collecting a child who has developed symptoms at school, or staff who have developed symptoms at school. These are for use where an individual is symptomatic and has significant barriers to accessing a test elsewhere, and where providing a test will therefore significantly increase the likelihood of them getting tested.</p><p>Guidance for schools and colleges has been published here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-home-test-kits-for-schools-and-fe-providers/coronavirus-covid-19-home-test-kits-for-schools-and-fe-providers" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-home-test-kits-for-schools-and-fe-providers/coronavirus-covid-19-home-test-kits-for-schools-and-fe-providers</a>.</p><p>When a child, young person or staff member develops one or more of the symptoms of COVID-19 they should be sent home and advised that they must self-isolate in line with the Department’s guidance and encouraged to arrange a test. All staff and students attending an education or childcare setting have access to a test if they display symptoms of COVID-19 and are encouraged to get tested.</p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-09-22T13:21:13.563Zmore like thismore than 2020-09-22T13:21:13.563Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter
1225188
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-07-15more like thismore than 2020-07-15
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Schools: Discrimination more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will issue guidance to schools (a) recommending that the six thinking hats technique is not used in schools and (b) noting the potential effect of identifying a black hat on unconscious negative bias relating to the use of the word black. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 74777 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-07-20more like thismore than 2020-07-20
answer text <p>All state-funded schools in England have a duty to teach a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of later life. Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must also not discriminate against a pupil in a number of respects because of a characteristic protected by the Act.</p><p>The Department trusts teachers to choose curriculum resources that are appropriate for their pupils and to ensure that how they deliver the curriculum does not discriminate. The Department has already published guidance to help schools fulfil their duties under the Act, which can be found at: <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools" target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools</a>. This includes advice on the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires public bodies, including state-funded schools, to have due regard to the need to: foster good relations across all protected characteristics; advance equality of opportunity for people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; and eliminate discrimination and other conduct prohibited by the Act. Additionally, the Independent Schools Standards requires independent schools to encourage respect for others, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Act.</p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-07-20T17:00:49.12Zmore like thismore than 2020-07-20T17:00:49.12Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter
1198844
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-06-01more like thismore than 2020-06-01
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Schools: Coronavirus more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the higher mortality risk from covid-19 among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, what guidance he is giving to schools on protecting staff and children from a BAME background and their families from covid-19; and what support he is giving to schools to enable them to implement that guidance. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 52591 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-06-15more like thisremove minimum value filter
answer text <p>We are aware that there is emerging evidence that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals can be more severely affected than the general population by COVID-19. On 2 June, Public Health England published their review into <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-review-of-disparities-in-risks-and-outcomes" target="_blank">disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19</a>, which included ethnicity. There is still much work to do to understand the key drivers of disparities, the relationships between the different risk factors and what we can do to reduce the impact. The Government is considering how the review and ongoing work on this issue should inform our approach. Schools should be especially sensitive to the needs and worries of BAME members of staff, BAME parents and BAME pupils, and consider if any additional measures or reasonable adjustments may need to be put in place to mitigate concerns.</p><p>We have provided detailed guidance on implementing protective measure in schools on GOV.UK: <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>This includes advice on approaches and actions schools should implement to create an inherently safer system, where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially reduced.</p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-06-15T13:46:31.987Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-15T13:46:31.987Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter
1198845
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2020-06-01more like thismore than 2020-06-01
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Schools: Social Distancing more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what additional funding he is making available to schools to cover the costs of adapting premises to meet social distancing requirements. more like this
tabling member constituency Erith and Thamesmead more like this
tabling member printed
Abena Oppong-Asare more like this
uin 52592 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2020-06-15more like thisremove minimum value filter
answer text <p>We have made over £200 million in Devolved Formula Capital allocations available to schools for the financial year 2020-21. Schools can invest this in capital projects to meet their own priorities. There is, however, no expectation that schools carry out building works to adapt their premises to support social distancing.</p><p>We have published guidance on the additional funding we are providing to schools to cover unavoidable revenue costs incurred due to the COVID-19 outbreak that cannot be met from their existing resources. The fund is targeted towards the costs we have identified as the biggest barrier to schools operating as they need to at this challenging time.</p><p>The cost categories covered by the fund are clearly set out in the guidance – increased premises related costs of opening over school holidays; support for free school meals for eligible children who are not in school, where schools are not using the national voucher scheme; and additional cleaning costs relating to cases or suspected cases of COVID-19, above the cost of existing cleaning arrangements. Details are available here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools/school-funding-exceptional-costs-associated-with-coronavirus-covid-19-for-the-period-march-to-july-2020" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools/school-funding-exceptional-costs-associated-with-coronavirus-covid-19-for-the-period-march-to-july-2020</a></p>
answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remove filter
answering member printed Nick Gibb more like this
question first answered
less than 2020-06-15T14:04:30.793Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-15T14:04:30.793Z
answering member
111
label Biography information for Nick Gibb more like this
tabling member
4820
label Biography information for Abena Oppong-Asare remove filter