Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andy Slaughter and David Laws

Monday 24th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Laws]

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. We are doing two things in particular. As my hon. Friend is aware, we announced in the Budget that we are extending the pupil premium into the early years, which I think has been widely welcomed. We are also ensuring, through Ofsted, that while schools have the freedom to spend that money in the most sensible way they think appropriate, they will be held to account and fully supported by Ofsted and the Education Endowment Foundation.

[Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab)]

T5. The Minister is, I hope, concerned about the literacy levels of prisoners, 40% of whom have an average reading age of 11. Does he think that the policy of the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice to ban sending books to prisoners will make that better or worse?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andy Slaughter and David Laws

Monday 24th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Laws]

Yes, I can assure my hon. Friend that, in holding schools to account for the use of the pupil premium, Ofsted will be looking not only at the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged pupil performance in particular schools, but at the performance of disadvantaged pupils in particular schools versus the national average, and that it will also be looking at the progress that is being made, so that, whatever school a disadvantaged youngster is in, they can be sure that there will be scrutiny of those who run it, to make sure this money is used effectively and the gaps are narrowed across the whole school system.

[Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab)]

12. What recent steps his Department has taken to improve careers advice and guidance; and if he will make a statement.