Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Ben Lake

Monday 12th October 2020 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

As well as the incredibly successful holiday activity programme that we saw rolled out across many areas of England, we are looking at what more we can do in these areas, while recognising the important role that schools play in supporting pupils in their learning but also supporting their families.

[Ben Lake (Ceredigion) (PC)]

What estimate he has made of the resources required by universities to support teaching and learning for students during the covid-19 outbreak.

Students’ Return to Universities

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Ben Lake

Tuesday 29th September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

I know the wonderful work that the University of Loughborough has been undertaking, and the fact that it is in The Times’ guide to the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom is testament to the amazing work that it is undertaking. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that students want to go to university to get the most out of the experience at university, and that is why the unprecedented measures that our universities have taken to create a safe and secure environment, so that students can benefit from being at university all the way through the year, are so important. We will continue to work with universities such as Loughborough to provide that to all students.

[Ben Lake (Ceredigion) (PC)]

The Secretary of State said in his statement that face-to-face teaching should continue wherever possible within the context of covid risk and local restrictions. Should the local context or restrictions require a university to move teaching online completely, however, will the Government ensure that neither the university nor its students will be punished financially for doing the right thing?

[Gavin Williamson]

We continue to work with the sector to ensure that there is the very best quality of teaching. If youngsters have an issue with the quality of teaching, the Office for Students has made it absolutely clear that it will investigate this and take action where it is required against universities that are not delivering what is in their contract with the students.