{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Department+for+Education&tablingMemberConstituency=Clacton&max-date=2018-11-14", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Department+for+Education&tablingMemberConstituency=Clacton&max-date=2018-11-14", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Department+for+Education&tablingMemberConstituency=Clacton&max-date=2018-11-14&_metadata=all", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&AnsweringBody.=Department+for+Education&tablingMemberConstituency=Clacton&max-date=2018-11-14", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Department+for+Education&tablingMemberConstituency=Clacton&max-date=2018-11-14", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Department+for+Education&tablingMemberConstituency=Clacton&max-date=2018-11-14", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/928679", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/928679/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Apprenticeships are paid jobs with training - they benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn without having to pay for training or qualifications.<\/p>

We provide funding so that employers and providers can support their apprentices with some of the costs of their apprenticeships. We provide up to £600 to training providers to support apprentices from the 27 per cent most disadvantaged postcode areas when they train on a framework, and £150 a month where an apprentice requires further learning support as a result of conditions such as dyslexia or other learning difficulties and disabilities. We also provide a £1,000 payment to providers and employers when they take on a 16-18 year old apprentice. The funding we provide ensures that any additional costs are not passed on to employers or providers.<\/p>

A young person on an apprenticeship will receive at least the apprentice national minimum wage, which increased to £3.70 per hour in April 2018. This represents a 5.7 per cent increase and means the Apprentice rate is at a record high in nominal and real terms. The Low Pay Commission estimates that the increase will benefit up to 34,000 apprentices. In England, the mean pay rate for level 2 apprentices is £6.69; the level 2 median is £6.35. The mean pay rate for level 3 apprentices is £7.38; the level 3 median is £7.10.<\/p>

<\/p>

In addition, from August 2018, we are introducing a £1,000 bursary to eligible care leavers aged 16-24 starting an apprenticeship. We understand that care leavers face particular financial disadvantage and government has a responsibility to support them as they transition into the world of work through an apprenticeship.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1523", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne Milton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Guildford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Anne Milton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-06-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-06-29T13:21:54.687Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-06-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to make apprenticeships more affordable for apprentices.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4677", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Giles Watling"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Giles Watling"} ], "uin" : "156505"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901344", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901344/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

One of the core principles of an apprenticeship is that it is a paid job with training, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn, and it is treated accordingly in the benefit system. Apprentices are not required to pay for their training or assessment.<\/p>

<\/p>

A young person on an apprenticeship will receive at least the apprentice national minimum wage, which increased to £3.70 per hour in April 2018. In England, the mean pay for level 2 apprentices is £6.69; the level 2 median pay is £6.35. The mean pay rate for level 3 apprentices is £7.38; the level 3 median pay is £7.10.<\/p>

<\/p>

We are not currently considering extending the scope of Care to Learn, student financial support including the 16-19 Bursary Fund or the Childcare Grant to apprenticeships as they are classed as paid contractual employment with training.<\/p>

<\/p>

We are creating an apprenticeship system that is open to a wide range of people. As we continue to reform the apprenticeships system we will keep our funding for apprentices with additional needs under review.<\/p>

<\/p>

For apprentices claiming benefits in their own right, financial support is available for those on low incomes. Eligible apprentices may be able to claim Universal Credit or Tax Credits to help with living costs. Universal Credit is also an in-work benefit, so claimants in work on low wages, including apprentices under contract, can continue to claim support for housing. Parents of apprentices are not, however, eligible to claim Child Benefit, as apprentices, like other employees, earn a wage.<\/p>

<\/p>

In addition, an apprentice may be entitled to the usual in-work benefits, such as Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credits. If an apprentice has children, is aged 16 or over and does paid work of at least 16 hours a week then they could qualify for tax credits, unless they are already earning £25,000 per year or more. Statutory Sick Pay is paid on the basis of the level of earnings in the relevant period. Disabled apprentices may be entitled to Access to Work payments to help with any support needed to do their job such as assistive technology or an assistant.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1523", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne Milton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Guildford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Anne Milton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "142933"} , {"_value" : "142934"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-18T13:52:42.66Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices: Low Incomes"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department plans to make low income apprentices with children eligible for the (a) Care to Learn Scheme and (b) Childcare Grant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4677", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Giles Watling"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Giles Watling"} ], "uin" : "142932"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901345", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901345/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

One of the core principles of an apprenticeship is that it is a paid job with training, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn, and it is treated accordingly in the benefit system. Apprentices are not required to pay for their training or assessment.<\/p>

<\/p>

A young person on an apprenticeship will receive at least the apprentice national minimum wage, which increased to £3.70 per hour in April 2018. In England, the mean pay for level 2 apprentices is £6.69; the level 2 median pay is £6.35. The mean pay rate for level 3 apprentices is £7.38; the level 3 median pay is £7.10.<\/p>

<\/p>

We are not currently considering extending the scope of Care to Learn, student financial support including the 16-19 Bursary Fund or the Childcare Grant to apprenticeships as they are classed as paid contractual employment with training.<\/p>

<\/p>

We are creating an apprenticeship system that is open to a wide range of people. As we continue to reform the apprenticeships system we will keep our funding for apprentices with additional needs under review.<\/p>

<\/p>

For apprentices claiming benefits in their own right, financial support is available for those on low incomes. Eligible apprentices may be able to claim Universal Credit or Tax Credits to help with living costs. Universal Credit is also an in-work benefit, so claimants in work on low wages, including apprentices under contract, can continue to claim support for housing. Parents of apprentices are not, however, eligible to claim Child Benefit, as apprentices, like other employees, earn a wage.<\/p>

<\/p>

In addition, an apprentice may be entitled to the usual in-work benefits, such as Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credits. If an apprentice has children, is aged 16 or over and does paid work of at least 16 hours a week then they could qualify for tax credits, unless they are already earning £25,000 per year or more. Statutory Sick Pay is paid on the basis of the level of earnings in the relevant period. Disabled apprentices may be entitled to Access to Work payments to help with any support needed to do their job such as assistive technology or an assistant.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1523", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne Milton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Guildford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Anne Milton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "142932"} , {"_value" : "142934"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-18T13:52:42.707Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices: Low Incomes"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department plans to make low income apprentices eligible for (a) student bursaries and (b) income support.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4677", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Giles Watling"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Giles Watling"} ], "uin" : "142933"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901346", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/901346/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

One of the core principles of an apprenticeship is that it is a paid job with training, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn, and it is treated accordingly in the benefit system. Apprentices are not required to pay for their training or assessment.<\/p>

<\/p>

A young person on an apprenticeship will receive at least the apprentice national minimum wage, which increased to £3.70 per hour in April 2018. In England, the mean pay for level 2 apprentices is £6.69; the level 2 median pay is £6.35. The mean pay rate for level 3 apprentices is £7.38; the level 3 median pay is £7.10.<\/p>

<\/p>

We are not currently considering extending the scope of Care to Learn, student financial support including the 16-19 Bursary Fund or the Childcare Grant to apprenticeships as they are classed as paid contractual employment with training.<\/p>

<\/p>

We are creating an apprenticeship system that is open to a wide range of people. As we continue to reform the apprenticeships system we will keep our funding for apprentices with additional needs under review.<\/p>

<\/p>

For apprentices claiming benefits in their own right, financial support is available for those on low incomes. Eligible apprentices may be able to claim Universal Credit or Tax Credits to help with living costs. Universal Credit is also an in-work benefit, so claimants in work on low wages, including apprentices under contract, can continue to claim support for housing. Parents of apprentices are not, however, eligible to claim Child Benefit, as apprentices, like other employees, earn a wage.<\/p>

<\/p>

In addition, an apprentice may be entitled to the usual in-work benefits, such as Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credits. If an apprentice has children, is aged 16 or over and does paid work of at least 16 hours a week then they could qualify for tax credits, unless they are already earning £25,000 per year or more. Statutory Sick Pay is paid on the basis of the level of earnings in the relevant period. Disabled apprentices may be entitled to Access to Work payments to help with any support needed to do their job such as assistive technology or an assistant.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1523", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne Milton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Guildford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Anne Milton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "142932"} , {"_value" : "142933"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-05-18T13:52:42.77Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-05-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices: Low Incomes"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the financial effect on low income families with a child that undertakes an apprenticeship.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4677", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Giles Watling"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Giles Watling"} ], "uin" : "142934"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/455719", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/455719/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government's position, as set out by the Prime Minister to the House on 22 February, is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/111", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nick Gibb"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bognor Regis and Littlehampton"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nick Gibb"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-03-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-03-02T17:10:17.12Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Department for Education: UK Membership of EU"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 22 February 2016, Official Report, column 35, on the European Council, whether her Department is undertaking planning in the eventuality of a majority leave vote in the EU referendum.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1527", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Douglas Carswell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Douglas Carswell"} ], "uin" : "28709"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/420659", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/420659/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The continuation of universal infant free school meals was a commitment in the Conservative Party\u2019s election manifesto. The government is currently conducting a Spending Review across all its programmes in England.<\/p>

Policy on free school meals in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Government.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3980", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Sam Gyimah"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Surrey"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Sam Gyimah"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-10-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-10-15T15:38:18.517Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-10-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Free School Meals"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to (a) remove free school meals for children in primary school and (b) alter the provision of free school meals for children under the compulsory school age in England and Wales.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1527", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Douglas Carswell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Douglas Carswell"} ], "uin" : "11445"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/391396", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/391396/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

In November 2014, there were 3,516 state funded primary schools in England that reported having no male teachers in their service.[1]<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

[1] Source: School Workforce Census 2014: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/school-workforce-in-england-november-2014<\/a><\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/111", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nick Gibb"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bognor Regis and Littlehampton"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nick Gibb"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-09-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-09-09T14:48:58.753Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-07-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Primary Education: Teachers"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many state-maintained primary schools in England have no male teachers on their permanent staff.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1527", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Douglas Carswell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Douglas Carswell"} ], "uin" : "7906"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/391401", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/391401/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Ofsted is responsible for the regulation and inspection of all independent fostering services and includes local authority fostering services within their wider inspection protocol.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

In 2013, the government streamlined and strengthened the assessment and approval process for foster carers. All foster carers continue to undergo a full and comprehensive assessment before they are approved by a fostering service. Supporting the recruitment and retention of foster carers is a priority - it is through the skills and dedication of these foster carers and those who work with them that we will improve outcomes for looked-after children. From 2013 to 2015, the government also invested £750,000 to support four local authority regional consortia to develop innovative strategies to help them recruit and retain the foster carers they need in their local area. In April 2015, the government also amended regulations to introduce \u2018long term foster care\u2019 as a distinct placement type. In cases such as these, statutory guidance is clear that the local authority should assess the ability of the identified foster carer to care for the child (this may be the foster carers currently looking after the child, or new carers who are best able to meet the child\u2019s needs).<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1605", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Timpson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Crewe and Nantwich"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Edward Timpson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-09-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "7904"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-09-07T15:38:23.847Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-07-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Foster Care"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to review (a) standards of foster care and (b) criteria for becoming a foster carer.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1527", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Douglas Carswell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Douglas Carswell"} ], "uin" : "7903"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/391402", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/391402/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Ofsted is responsible for the regulation and inspection of all independent fostering services and includes local authority fostering services within their wider inspection protocol.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

In 2013, the government streamlined and strengthened the assessment and approval process for foster carers. All foster carers continue to undergo a full and comprehensive assessment before they are approved by a fostering service. Supporting the recruitment and retention of foster carers is a priority - it is through the skills and dedication of these foster carers and those who work with them that we will improve outcomes for looked-after children. From 2013 to 2015, the government also invested £750,000 to support four local authority regional consortia to develop innovative strategies to help them recruit and retain the foster carers they need in their local area. In April 2015, the government also amended regulations to introduce \u2018long term foster care\u2019 as a distinct placement type. In cases such as these, statutory guidance is clear that the local authority should assess the ability of the identified foster carer to care for the child (this may be the foster carers currently looking after the child, or new carers who are best able to meet the child\u2019s needs).<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1605", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Timpson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Crewe and Nantwich"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Edward Timpson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-09-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "7903"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-09-07T15:38:23.927Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-07-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Foster Care"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department plans to take to ensure that foster care is of the highest possible standard.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1527", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Douglas Carswell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Douglas Carswell"} ], "uin" : "7904"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166995", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166995/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Department for Education is committed to recruiting high-quality graduates into the teaching profession, and we have a range of initiatives designed to attract the best potential teachers.<\/p>

In September 2014 we launched a new marketing campaign called \u2018Your Future | Their Future\u2019. We use a range of activities including national newspaper advertising, targeted digital communications and face-to-face events to reach excellent potential teachers, including career changers, and to persuade them to pursue a career in teaching.<\/p>

Additional funding has been made available to schools offering School Direct (salaried) places to boost starting salaries and encourage more experienced graduates to enter teacher training across a range of subjects. School Direct (salaried) is an employment-based route for high-quality, experienced graduates who earn a salary whilst training.<\/p>

We provide an information service for anyone looking to enter teaching through the Teaching Line. Those interested in teaching a priority subject are given access to the Premier Plus programme. This includes support from a dedicated recruitment advisor, access to exclusive events and regular communications with important news and application hints and tips.<\/p>

We have extended the School Experience Programme (SEP) this year to include non-funded subjects as well as funded priority subjects. SEP gives prospective teachers the chance to gain school experience, helping them to choose teaching as a career.<\/p>

Prestigious scholarship awards are available to outstanding graduates with a 2:1 or first-class degree in maths, physics, chemistry, and computing. Scholarships come with a package of non-financial benefits, such as membership of the appropriate professional body, mentoring, and continuous professional development.<\/p>

New entrants to initial teacher training are becoming better qualified. Overall, we have seen an increase each year in the percentage of new entrants who hold a first class or 2:1 degree; rising from 61% in 2009/10 to 73% in 2014/15.<\/p>

In addition, we have supported the expansion of Teach First , which focuses on getting the highest quality teachers into our most challenging schools, by more than doubling the number of programme participants since 2010, and ensuring the programme covers all English government regions.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr David Laws"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Yeovil"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Laws"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-05T14:52:55.967Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Teachers: Secondary Education"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has made to increase the number of high-quality secondary school teachers, other than the role of financial incentives.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1527", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Douglas Carswell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Clacton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Douglas Carswell"} ], "uin" : "216487"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&AnsweringBody.=Department+for+Education&tablingMemberConstituency=Clacton&max-date=2018-11-14", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 10, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }