Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Mike Amesbury

Tuesday 16th April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)]

T3. Did the former Energy Minister, the right hon. Member for Beverley and Holderness (Graham Stuart), leave because he is worried about losing his seat to Labour at the next election, or because he could no longer bear to support the woeful energy policy of this Government? Which one was it?

[Claire Coutinho]

I direct the hon. Gentleman to the letter of my right hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Graham Stuart). I reiterate our pride in his work and the amazing contribution he has made to this Government and this country.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Mike Amesbury

Monday 17th April 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Claire Coutinho)]

Early identification of SEND is vital, which is why we are training 5,000 early-years SENCOs and reforming initial teacher training and the early-career framework for teachers in later stages of education.

[Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)]

T10. I recently surveyed all the schools in my Weaver Vale constituency, and over 50% of headteachers mentioned issues with the recruitment and retention of teaching and learning assistants, many of whom work with children with special educational needs. What are the Government doing to improve the pay and terms and conditions of teaching and learning assistants?

SEND and Alternative Provision

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Mike Amesbury

Monday 6th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[Claire Coutinho]

There are two things: increasing the number of educational psychologists, which will improve the ability to get a diagnosis quickly; and ensuring that identification happens in schools or early years. If we can catch things early, we can treat them and make sure that people get the right support so that they do not escalate. Too often, people do not have their needs met and they escalate into a crisis. That will help children and young people to get the exact support that they need earlier on.

[Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)]

I want to give a voice to Oliver, who has high-functioning autism and an EHCP plan in place. The fundamental issue is that the resources have not followed—there has been a lack of specialist provision in the area, and the local authority talks about a lack of resources. Will the Minister meet me to discuss that particular case?

[Claire Coutinho]

If the hon. Gentleman’s constituent has an EHCP plan and resources have been set out, they should be delivered. In the case of autism, we need to ensure that people are properly supported; it is one of the areas that has risen greatly over the last few years, and I am passionate about ensuring that we have everything in place. I will be happy to look at meeting him.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Mike Amesbury

Monday 27th February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)]

According to the Department’s own figures, in 2022, 5,400 children’s social workers left the profession. That is 9% up on the previous year. What are Ministers doing to address this crisis in retention and recruitment in children’s social work?

[Claire Coutinho]

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that recruitment and retention is key. We set out plans in our reforms a couple of weeks ago, including looking at what we are doing on agency workers, An additional £3.2 billion was set out in the autumn statement to go into adult and children’s social care.