Schools White Paper

Annette Brooke Excerpts
Wednesday 24th November 2010

(13 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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The hon. Lady has been an impressive lead Member for children’s services and education in the past, and she speaks with authority. We are publishing an evidence paper to go alongside the White Paper—the first time that has happened—which will contain the evidence base for everything that we are doing. The expansion of teaching schools is based on research by the National Federation for Educational Research, which showed that they are outstanding in the work that they do.

Annette Brooke Portrait Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)
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I welcome many of the freedoms that are now being given to schools, but will the Secretary of State clarify one point for me? If a group of parents requested that a Sport for All programme should be continued, would the head teacher have the funds in his budget to continue such a programme?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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I absolutely believe so, as a result of the real-terms increase in spending on education. Critically, by removing ring fences and giving heads more control over how they spend their money, the priorities that are dear to all of us, including sports, can be pursued.