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61861

registered interest
date	13/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Reading: Teaching Methods
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Phonic Screening Check.
tabling member constituency	Coventry South
tabling member printed	Mr Jim Cunningham
uin	200732
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2014 answer text <p>The Department for Education is evaluating the introduction of the Phonics Screening Check through a three-year externally-commissioned independent evaluation, undertaken by the National Foundation for Educational Research. The evaluation is now in the final year. The first two reports have been published and can be found online:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-phonics-screening-check-first-interim-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-phonics-screening-check-first-interim-report</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-evaluation" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-evaluation</a></p><p>There are no plans to discontinue the Phonics Screening Check.</p><p>The Department piloted the Phonics Screening Check in 300 primary schools in 2011, prior to national roll-out in 2012. The evaluation report on the pilot can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year-1-phonics-screening-check-pilot-evaluation" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year-1-phonics-screening-check-pilot-evaluation</a></p><p>We have also published annual technical reports evaluating the validity and reliability of the Check. The first of these reports was based on the pilot and can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-pilot-2011-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-pilot-2011-technical-report</a></p><p>The technical reports since the national roll-out can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2012-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2012-technical-report</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2013-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2013-technical-report</a></p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss grouped question UIN 200733 200734 question first answered 18/06/2014 16:28:01 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	308 label Biography information for Mr Jim Cunningham

61862

registered interest
date	13/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Reading: Teaching Methods
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when the Government plans to evaluate the introduction of the Phonic Screening Check and take a decision on its continuation.
tabling member constituency	Coventry South
tabling member printed	Mr Jim Cunningham
uin	200733
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2014 answer text <p>The Department for Education is evaluating the introduction of the Phonics Screening Check through a three-year externally-commissioned independent evaluation, undertaken by the National Foundation for Educational Research. The evaluation is now in the final year. The first two reports have been published and can be found online:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-phonics-screening-check-first-interim-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-phonics-screening-check-first-interim-report</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-evaluation" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-evaluation</a></p><p>There are no plans to discontinue the Phonics Screening Check.</p><p>The Department piloted the Phonics Screening Check in 300 primary schools in 2011, prior to national roll-out in 2012. The evaluation report on the pilot can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year-1-phonics-screening-check-pilot-evaluation" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year-1-phonics-screening-check-pilot-evaluation</a></p><p>We have also published annual technical reports evaluating the validity and reliability of the Check. The first of these reports was based on the pilot and can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-pilot-2011-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-pilot-2011-technical-report</a></p><p>The technical reports since the national roll-out can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2012-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2012-technical-report</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2013-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2013-technical-report</a></p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss grouped question UIN 200732 200734 question first answered 18/06/2014 16:28:01 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	308 label Biography information for Mr Jim Cunningham

61863

registered interest
date	13/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Reading: Teaching Methods
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will publish the information considered by his Department ahead of making the decision to introduce the Phonic Screening Check.
tabling member constituency	Coventry South
tabling member printed	Mr Jim Cunningham
uin	200734
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2014 answer text <p>The Department for Education is evaluating the introduction of the Phonics Screening Check through a three-year externally-commissioned independent evaluation, undertaken by the National Foundation for Educational Research. The evaluation is now in the final year. The first two reports have been published and can be found online:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-phonics-screening-check-first-interim-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-phonics-screening-check-first-interim-report</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-evaluation" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-evaluation</a></p><p>There are no plans to discontinue the Phonics Screening Check.</p><p>The Department piloted the Phonics Screening Check in 300 primary schools in 2011, prior to national roll-out in 2012. The evaluation report on the pilot can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year-1-phonics-screening-check-pilot-evaluation" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/year-1-phonics-screening-check-pilot-evaluation</a></p><p>We have also published annual technical reports evaluating the validity and reliability of the Check. The first of these reports was based on the pilot and can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-pilot-2011-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-pilot-2011-technical-report</a></p><p>The technical reports since the national roll-out can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2012-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2012-technical-report</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2013-technical-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-2013-technical-report</a></p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss grouped question UIN 200732 200733 question first answered 18/06/2014 16:28:01 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	308 label Biography information for Mr Jim Cunningham

61666

registered interest
date	12/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Primary Education: Admissions
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of the current starting age for children entering primary education on the wellbeing and attainment of those born in summer months.
tabling member constituency	Huddersfield
tabling member printed	Mr Barry Sheerman
uin	200501
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2014 answer text <p>The Department for Education has not made an assessment of the effect of the current starting age for children entering primary education on the wellbeing and attainment of those born in the summer months.</p><p>However, research[1] carried out by the Department has demonstrated that the age at which tests are taken is the dominant reason for month of birth gaps in educational attainment, and not the age at which children start school; it is simply the fact of being younger when tested that accounts for most of the differences observed. The research reported no evidence of a causal relationship between school entry age and attainment.</p><p>Parents of summer born children who think their child is not ready to start school can request that their child is admitted outside of their normal age group and be admitted to reception year in the September following their fifth birthday. The school's admission authority is responsible for making the decision which must be based on the individual circumstance of each case.</p><p>[1]<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/182664/DFE-RR017.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/182664/DFE-RR017.pdf</a></p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 18/06/2014 16:32:29 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	411 label Biography information for Mr Barry Sheerman

61668

registered interest
date	12/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Official Visits
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what visits each of the Ministers in his Department have made since January 2013; and what the purpose of each such visit was.
tabling member constituency	Edinburgh East
tabling member printed	Sheila Gilmore
uin	200482
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2014 answer text <p>The Department does not hold a list of ministerial visits and to compile a list would exceed the cost threshold.</p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 18/06/2014 16:30:43 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	3965 label Biography information for Sheila Gilmore

61672

registered interest
date	12/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Cancer: Health Education
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 ensure that cancer awareness and awareness of cancer symptoms is covered in schools.
tabling member constituency	Chatham and Aylesford
tabling member printed	Tracey Crouch
uin	200543
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2014 answer text <p>Teaching about cancer awareness is important for all young people and schools may include cancer awareness as part of their personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. The PSHE Association has produced a suggested programme of study as guidance for teachers, and continues to highlight other sources of expertise.</p><p>Schools may also teach about cancer awareness in other areas of the curriculum, for example, the science curriculum requires pupils to learn about the effects of drugs on their bodies, and the importance of physical education. In design and technology, schools may highlight the importance of nutrition and a healthy diet.</p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 18/06/2014 16:33:54 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	3950 label Biography information for Dame Tracey Crouch

61327

registered interest
date	11/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Academic Year
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what economic assessment he has made on the effect on tourism jobs in seaside areas and seaside economies of deregulating school holidays.
tabling member constituency	Wyre and Preston North
tabling member printed	Mr Ben Wallace
uin	200272
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2014 answer text <p>The Government is giving more schools greater flexibility to adapt the shape of the school year in the interests of their pupils' education.</p><p>Whilst this will extend an existing flexibility to a greater number of schools, our advice will continue to include a clear expectation of schools working with each other and the local authority to coordinate dates to avoid unnecessary disruption to parents and their employers.</p><p>The Department has consulted with representatives of the tourist industry. Where schools choose to change their holiday dates, following discussion locally with parents and local businesses, there may well be a positive impact on seaside economies. In areas of high-seasonal employment, for example, small variations to term-dates agreed locally may help parents to holiday outside of peak periods.</p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 18/06/2014 16:26:11 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	1539 label Biography information for Mr Ben Wallace

61427

registered interest
date	11/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Children: Day Care
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the average annual cost of childcare in the UK for a child aged (a) two and under, (b) three to four and (c) five and over; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne North
tabling member printed	Catherine McKinnell
uin	200175
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/06/2014 answer text <p>The Department for Education uses cost information from a number of independent surveys, such as the Family and Childcare Trust Annual Childcare Cost Survey 2014: <br><a href="http://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/childcare-costs-surveys" target="_blank">http://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/childcare-costs-surveys</a></p><p> </p><p>Their findings on the costs of childcare for children aged under two years old and those aged two years and over in England are shown in the tables below. The survey does not identify separately those aged five years and over.</p><p>It is encouraging to note that after 12 years of consistently rising prices, the costs of childcare in England have stabilised for the first time. In fact, once inflation is taken into account costs for the majority of parents have actually fallen. This means more parents are able to access affordable childcare and support their families.</p><p>But the Government is not complacent, and we are working to further increase childcare supply, which will further improve choice and affordability for parents:</p><p>a) More schools are opening their own nurseries for the first time, and we are establishing child-minder agencies to increase the number of child-minders available.<br>b) An increasing number of existing school nurseries are extending opening times from 8am to 6pm.<br>c) We are also making it easier for good nurseries to grow, by removing red-tape and planning restrictions.</p><p>The Government recently announced that the new Tax-Free Childcare scheme will be increased up to £2000 per child and extended to all children under 12 from September next year. This will help around 2 million families.</p><p>To help disadvantaged families, the Government has extended the 15 hours a week of funded early education already available for all three- and four-year-olds to include the most disadvantaged 20% of two-year-olds, and this will be extended further to 40% from September 2014.</p><p>The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) will provide nurseries, schools and other providers of government funded early education with extra money for disadvantaged three- and four-year-olds. The EYPP will be £50 million in 2015-16 and the Department for Education will consult on the details of the programme shortly.<br><br>And all families in Universal Credit will be able to receive 85% support on childcare costs, up from 70% under the current working tax credit system. This change will see 300,000 working families getting more out of the money they earn. More and more families will find that it pays to get a job, from taking the first few shifts back at work, right up to working full-time.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Average weekly childcare costs for England</strong></p><table><tbody><tr><td> </td><td colspan="2"><p><strong>Nursery 25 hours </strong></p></td><td colspan="2"><p><strong>Childminder 25 hours </strong></p></td></tr><tr><td> </td><td><p><strong>Under two</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Two and over</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Under two </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Two and over</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Weekly cost<sup>1</sup></p></td><td><p>£110.95</p></td><td><p>£106.19</p></td><td><p>£100.74</p></td><td><p>£101.51</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong><sup>1 </sup></strong>Source: Family and Childcare Trust Annual Childcare Costs Survey, 2014</p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 17/06/2014 16:54:10 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	4125 label Biography information for Catherine McKinnell

60911

registered interest
date	10/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Disciplinary Proceedings
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of staff within his Department who have been dismissed following formal disciplinary proceedings in each of the last five financial years classed themselves as white British.
tabling member constituency	Washington and Sunderland West
tabling member printed	Mrs Sharon Hodgson
uin	199903
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/06/2014 answer text <p>Our data does not record nationality; data held records only ethnicity.</p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 17/06/2014 16:50:42 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	1521 label Biography information for Mrs Sharon Hodgson

60914

registered interest
date	10/06/2014
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Equality
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what consideration his Department gives to the diversity policies and records of businesses or other organisations when considering their bid for commercial contracts or grants.
tabling member constituency	Washington and Sunderland West
tabling member printed	Mrs Sharon Hodgson
uin	199946
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/06/2014 answer text <p>We take into account an organisation's diversity policy and record where it is relevant to the subject matter of the contract or grant and is permissible by law. Where the organisation is listed as a Crown Strategic Supplier, we would also approach the relevant Crown Representative as part of the appraisal.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 17/06/2014 16:43:09 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
tabling member	1521 label Biography information for Mrs Sharon Hodgson