Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many state school students took four A levels including maths, further maths, and at least one subject qualifying for the high value course premium in each of the last five years; and what proportion of those students were female.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The data requested is below.

Notes about the data:

1. Includes state-funded students who ended 16-18 study in the reported year (for example, 2023/24).

2. Includes students who entered for at least four A levels, one being A level mathematics, one being A level further mathematics and at least one other A level being eligible for the high value courses premium.

3. Discounting rules apply (in other words, where students have multiple entries in the same subject, the best result is included).

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the value that NICE-recommended medicines bring to patient outcomes and the UK economy.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) plays a vital role in securing access for National Health Service patients to innovative new medicines in a way that represents value to the taxpayer and supports a thriving United Kingdom life sciences sector. NICE is able to recommend the vast majority of new medicines for use by the NHS at prices that reflect the benefits that they bring to NHS patients and that are fair to all parties. Many thousands of NHS patients have benefitted from access to innovative new medicines as a result of NICE’s important work. The measures that we have announced this year as part of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and Regulation Action Plan will further accelerate patient access to new medicines whilst reducing burdens to industry.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to support for people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions to (a) return to and (b) enter into work.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Government is committed to supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, including arthritis and MSK conditions, with their employment journey. We have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work, including support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres and Access to Work grants, as well Connect to Work.

Following publication of the Keep Britain Working review report on 5 November, we are immediately launching the Vanguard Phase to test new employer-led approaches to support individuals to stay in work. Over 70 businesses and seven regions, giving access to their employer networks, have already expressed an interest to be involved and support the Vanguard Phase, aiming to reshape how health issues and disabilities are managed in the workplace.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps is his Department taking to increase the NICE cost-effectiveness thresholds for new medicines and increase the value that the UK places on medicines.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The pharmaceutical sector and the innovative medicines it produces are critical to our national interest, helping people access life changing treatments, reducing pressure on the health service over the longer-term, and ensuring we have a National Health Service that is fit for the future.

Tens of thousands of NHS patients will benefit from a landmark trade deal between the United Kingdom and the United States, which will secure and expand access to vital drugs, safeguard our medicines supply chain, and drive crucial investment while supporting UK patients and industries. This agreement will increase the amount which the United Kingdom pays for life-changing medicines by 25%, ensuring faster patient access for vital medicines for cancer, rare diseases, and other conditions.

A 25% increase in medicine pricing corresponds to two changes to the way the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence evaluates medicines, specifically a change to the standard cost effectiveness threshold and the introduction of a new value set for judging health states.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for decisions on Access to Work claims.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We recognise the importance of clearing the backlog, which is why last year we increased the number of staff working in this area by 27% and we have continued to streamline delivery practices. To protect employment opportunities, case managers prioritise Access to Work applications where the customer is due to start a job within four weeks, or cases that are up for renewal.

In the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we consulted on the future of Access to Work and how to improve the scheme so that it helps more disabled people in work. We are considering all aspects of the scheme as we develop plans for reform following the conclusion of the consultation.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the economic impact of improving access to out-of-school aged childcare, including potential increases in workforce participation and GDP growth.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what evidence her Department has gathered on the number of parents unable to increase their working hours or return to work due to access to affordable, reliable out-of-school childcare.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to reform the out-of-school aged childcare sector and introduce a consistent and long-term funding model to support working families and economic growth.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what analysis her Department has undertaken of the the potential economic and social benefits of sustained funding in school-aged wraparound childcare.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what international comparisons her Department has reviewed regarding funding models for wraparound childcare, and what evidence has been considered from countries such as Australia and Ireland.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

This government is investing in a modern childcare system that supports families. When developing our programmes, we look at previous schemes, including internationally, as well as receiving representations from families and providers.

In February 2024, 24% of parents of primary-aged pupils reported that the availability of wraparound childcare affected the working patterns or hours of their household. The government is committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs in every state-funded school with primary-aged children. So far, we have delivered 2.6 million breakfasts in 750 early adopter schools and an additional 2,000 schools will join the programme next year.

Since September 2024, the National Wraparound Programme has provided over 50,000 additional full childcare places, allowing more parents to access opportunities for work and study. In the 2026/27 financial year, we are providing local authorities with £12.9 million of funding to continue to sustain these places to ensure sufficiency of school-age childcare and facilitate national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Eligible parents can access government subsidies, such as Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, to support them with their childcare costs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the University of Manchester article entitled From aspirational thinking to strategic planning – breaking down the barriers of inequality for children and young people, what progress she has made on implementing the 2023 careers guidance inquiry recommendations.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government’s Opportunity Mission is improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people at every life stage.

The research rightly highlights the importance of giving disadvantaged young people the skills and career guidance they need to overcome barriers to opportunity, and the key role the national curriculum plays in this. That is why the revised national curriculum will remain knowledge-rich and focus on enhancing disciplinary skills, setting students up to achieve in life and work.

Alongside this, the department will improve careers advice in schools and deliver two weeks’ worth of work experience for every young person to support their skills development and work readiness. We are targeting additional support through careers hubs in disadvantaged areas where there is the greatest need.

The department has made inclusion and impact prominent themes in careers statutory guidance. There is a strong emphasis on highlighting progression routes and career pathways from all curriculum subjects.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations of the University of Manchester article entitled From aspirational thinking to strategic planning – breaking down the barriers of inequality for children and young people.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government’s Opportunity Mission is improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people at every life stage.

The research rightly highlights the importance of giving disadvantaged young people the skills and career guidance they need to overcome barriers to opportunity, and the key role the national curriculum plays in this. That is why the revised national curriculum will remain knowledge-rich and focus on enhancing disciplinary skills, setting students up to achieve in life and work.

Alongside this, the department will improve careers advice in schools and deliver two weeks’ worth of work experience for every young person to support their skills development and work readiness. We are targeting additional support through careers hubs in disadvantaged areas where there is the greatest need.

The department has made inclusion and impact prominent themes in careers statutory guidance. There is a strong emphasis on highlighting progression routes and career pathways from all curriculum subjects.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 15 October 2025 to Question 77776, whether his Department monitors the number of instances where work coaches (a) tailor (1) work and (2) work search requirements and (b) temporarily remove the requirement to (i) work and (ii) search for work for single parents under (A) compulsory switching-off and (B) discretionary switching-off requirements.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Work coach guidance supports work coaches to ensure that requirements are tailored to the circumstances of individuals.

This is not monitored centrally and so to provide the information requested would incur disproportionate cost.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Keep Britain Working Vanguard Taskforce will adequately factor in living with fluctuating conditions.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We are bringing together a Vanguard Taskforce to steer the Keep Britain Working Vanguard Phase and are committed to listening to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.

This Taskforce will advise on the development of a Healthy Working Lifecycle Standard over the Vanguard Phase. The Standard will focus developing the best practices and approaches to drive better outcomes for all those managing health conditions or living with impairments, including fluctuating conditions.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when the Construction Technical Excellence Colleges will begin operating; and whether any are already in operation.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

In August 2025, the government appointed ten Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs), one in each region of England and a tenth operating cross-nationally. Backed by £100 million in funding, CTECs will deliver high quality construction skills, supporting our mission to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, and creating well-paid jobs nationwide in the construction sector. Launched at the start of this academic year, CTECs have begun their delivery of specialist skills, working with national and local construction employers to ensure critical construction skills needs are met now and in future years. To ensure benefits are widespread throughout each region, CTECs are operating under a ‘hub and spoke model’, collaborating with and supporting further education construction skills providers across their region.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to monitor progress toward the target of training 40,000 construction learners by 2029 through the Construction Technical Excellence Colleges.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Ten Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) have commenced their delivery of high quality construction skills provision from the start of this academic year. 40,000 construction learners will benefit from excellent teaching and curricula to set them up with the skills for well-paid jobs in the construction sector. The department is working with CTECs, mayoral strategic authorities, and other partners in the skills system to understand best practice in delivering quality construction skills in alignment with the Technical Excellence Colleges core objectives and we will monitor progress against these on a regular basis.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how he will ensure that the Timms Review adequately takes account of the needs of people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Timms Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, to ensure that expertise from a wide range of perspectives is drawn upon.

On 30 October, I published the revised Terms of Reference on GOV.UK which set out further details about its scope. I also announced that I will co-chair the Review alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. We will oversee a steering group responsible for leading the co-production process, setting the Review's strategic direction, priorities and workplan.

The group will be made up of a majority of disabled people or representatives of disabled people's organisations and is being recruited through an open and transparent Expression of Interest (EOI) process, which ran from 30 October to 30 November. We are now considering applications. We have worked closely with experts to ensure the EOI is accessible, inclusive and has a broad reach. The steering group will not work alone, it will oversee a programme of participation that brings together the full range of views and voices.

Schools Residential Outdoor Education (Scotland) Bill (No. 2)

Winter NHS corridor care

Found: UK & Southern Health NHSF Trust) (CMH0009), Student Minds (CMH0065), Homeless Link (CMH0068), Ian Sollom