Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Norris and Nadhim Zahawi

Monday 29th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Nadhim Zahawi]

I certainly do. Our proposals retain 17 early learning goals to reflect the breadth of the current early years foundation stage approach as well.

[Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op)]

Good-quality music tuition builds our young people’s creativity, skills and mental wellbeing. Accessing it is a challenge in poorer communities such as my own. What assessment have Ministers made of an art pupil premium to level this imbalance?

[Nadhim Zahawi]

Art, music and design are compulsory in all maintained schools from age five to age 14. All schools, including academies, are required to provide a broad and balanced curriculum.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Norris and Nadhim Zahawi

Monday 25th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Nadhim Zahawi]

There are 402 maintained nursery schools. The hon. Lady has championed their cause and I have seen at first hand the great work they do. She is right that the funding goes up to 2020. Clearly, we have to see what happens, but they are a very important part of the mix of provision.

[Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op)]

Childcare is a critical enabler to allow parents to access further education. Nottingham College, in a move reflective of the exceptionally difficult landscape facing further education, has chosen to shut its nursery in my constituency. That is wrong, and I am campaigning with local residents and councillors to keep it open. Does the Minister agree that access to childcare is an important driver of accessing further education?

[Nadhim Zahawi]

I do agree that access to childcare is very important. I will look at the specific details the hon. Gentleman mentions, but suffice it to say that we are investing £50 million more to help schools to open a nursery setting.