Oral Answers to Questions

Jane Stevenson 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.

[Ben Bradley (Mansfield) (Con)]

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

--- Later in debate ---

[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.

[Jane Stevenson]

For many years Wolverhampton’s education outcomes have been below those of our neighbours in the Black Country, and we are currently experiencing a youth unemployment crisis in our city. How will these measures help to reverse that trend in places such as Wolverhampton, where there are a significant number of disadvantaged pupils?

[Mr Walker]

Employers tell us that good numeracy and literacy are key to securing employment, and our three-year £1.5 billion investment in the national tutoring programme—complemented by £2.5 billion for the pupil premium and the new two-year recovery premium, worth £1 billion—focuses on raising disadvantaged pupils’ achievements in those key areas for employment.