Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the relationship between government support for dance students on the Music and Dance Scheme and (1) the success of UK-trained dance students in international dance competitions, and (2) the continuing prominence of UK-trained dancers on the international stage.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The department regularly reviews information from Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) providers about the post-MDS activities of their students in relation to education and employment.

Providers do not share information with the department relating to MDS alumni involved in international dance competitions or their prominence on the international stage.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to introducing screening tests to identify early difficulties with numeracy; and whether those tests could take place at the same time and in a similar format to the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, which helps educators identify problems with literacy.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering key stages 1 to 5, is ongoing and ministers will consider its recommendations, including any on primary assessment.

In addition to the duty on schools to carry out statutory national curriculum assessments, schools also administer their own classroom assessments. The department provides optional end of key stage 1 tests and teacher assessment frameworks for English and mathematics to support schools in this work.