Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Patrick Spencer

Monday 9th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

I pay tribute to the providers in my hon. Friend’s constituency for their work. We want to see great careers right across the early years sector from apprenticeships all the way up to graduate level. I will happily meet him to discuss that further.

[Patrick Spencer (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) (Con)]

Will the Secretary of State reconfirm her commitment to academies and to the policy of academisation?

[Bridget Phillipson]

We want all schools to do well for our children and to drive high and rising standards regardless of the name above the door.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Patrick Spencer

Monday 9th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

I recognise the important point that my hon. Friend raises. Many parents are doing everything they can, often in very challenging circumstances, to support their children into school. For my part, I can assure her that this Government will do everything we can to make sure children find welcoming, safe environments at school, with better mental health support, breakfast clubs in our primary schools, a broader, richer curriculum, and more support around SEND in mainstream settings.

[Patrick Spencer (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) (Con)]

There were reports in the press a couple of weeks ago that the Secretary of State took meetings with teaching unions who made the argument that multiplication times tables should be taken off the national curriculum. Given our stratospheric success in PISA—programme for international student assessment—numeracy ratings, thanks to changes introduced by the Conservative Government, can she give us a 100% cast-iron guarantee that she will not dumb down the curriculum in this country and will not take times tables off the national curriculum?

[Bridget Phillipson]

I would caution the hon. Gentleman about believing everything he reads in the press. Times tables are an important part of our system. We will drive high and rising standards from Government. Rather than picking pointless fights and avoidable industrial action, what he will see from this Government is a different relationship, as we work in partnership with teachers, school leaders and support staff to deliver better life chances for all of our children.