Oral Answers to Questions

David Simmonds Excerpts

Monday 6th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) (Con)]

7. What steps his Department is taking to support disadvantaged pupils during the 2022-23 academic year.

[Jane Stevenson (Wolverhampton North East) (Con)]

12. What steps his Department is taking to support disadvantaged pupils during the 2022-23 academic year.

[The Minister for School Standards (Mr Robin Walker)]

The Government have announced an additional £1 billion recovery premium over the academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24, building on this year’s recovery premium. It will help schools to deliver evidence-based approaches to support the most disadvantaged pupils. This funding is in addition to the dedicated schools grant pupil premium, which was £2.5 billion this year, and the national tutoring programme.

[David Simmonds]

There are significant budgetary pressures within the dedicated schools grant, which affect a number of Government Departments. What discussions is my hon. Friend having to ensure that those challenges are properly addressed?

[Mr Walker]

I often discuss with colleagues across Government areas of mutual interest, including how best we can support young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The autumn spending review committed an additional £4.7 billion to the core schools budget, including funding for SEND to help the sector respond to the pressures that it is facing. I am sure my hon. Friend will join me in welcoming the trebling of the budget for high needs capital, and the continuation of our safety valve programme.