Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Howlett and Nick Gibb

Monday 26th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gibb]

I am not sure that the right hon. Gentleman has got his facts right. There are now more teachers in England’s classrooms than ever before. There are 455,000, which is 5,000 more than there were last year and 13,000 more than when Labour left office in 2010. Vacancy rates are stable. Almost 90% of teachers continue in the profession following their first year of teaching, with 72% of newly qualified teachers still teaching after five years and 52% still teaching after 18 years. I am afraid that he has got his facts wrong.

[Ben Howlett (Bath) (Con)]

Charities such as Off the Record in my constituency help to facilitate safe spaces for young people who have faced traumatic incidents in schools. Does the Secretary of State agree that the creation of safe spaces in schools would have a dramatic impact and help to reduce mental ill health in schools?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Howlett and Nick Gibb

Monday 20th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gibb]

I can give the hon. Gentleman this piece of evidence: 25% of the free schools that have been inspected so far are rated outstanding, compared with just 19% of other schools.

[Ben Howlett (Bath) (Con)]

4. What steps her Department is taking to encourage schools to broaden opportunities available for disadvantaged children.