Asked by: Louie French (Conservative - Old Bexley and Sidcup)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the potential impact of proposed statutory uniform limits on the rate of participation in school sports what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the potential impact of proposed statutory uniform limits on the rate of participation in school sports.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
School uniforms play a valuable role in creating a sense of common identity among pupils and reducing visible inequalities; however, too many schools require high numbers of branded uniform items, including branded PE kit.
The government has, in line with its manifesto commitment, introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require, to bring down costs for parents and remove barriers from children accessing sport and other school activities.
We expect schools to ensure that all pupils can participate in all aspects of school life, including PE and sport. No pupil should be discouraged from participating in any aspect of school life, such as interschool competitions, because of the cost of additional uniform requirements. This limit allows school leaders to prioritise branding the uniform and PE kit items which best reflect the needs of their school.
Research also suggests that the more choice that girls in particular have over what to wear for PE, the more they are comfortable and the greater the likelihood of their long term participation in sport. This research is available here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/43602/documents/216689/default/.
Guidance already encourages schools to select PE kit items that are comfortable, practical and appropriate for all students. Together with new limits on unnecessary branded items, this approach will help to ensure that all students, including girls, feel confident and able to participate fully in physical activities.
Asked by: Louie French (Conservative - Old Bexley and Sidcup)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it is her policy to continue the Opening Schools Facilities funding.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
This government is determined to create the healthiest generation ever and break down the barriers to opportunity for every child.
We are working across government to ensure that our funding is coherent and effectively contributes to a lasting and sustainable impact on children’s physical activity levels and the provision of more opportunities for all children to participate in sport. The work sits alongside that of other system levers, for instance the Curriculum and Assessment Review which is examining how to deliver a curriculum which is rich and broad, so that children and young people do not miss out on subjects such as sport.
The Opening School Facilities programme will end in March as planned. The learning from the programme will help inform the department’s ongoing work to support high-quality PE, school sport and physical activity for all pupils.
Asked by: Louie French (Conservative - Old Bexley and Sidcup)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support her Department is providing to sixth-forms to transition from providing BTECs to T-Levels, including with securing industry placements.
Answered by Robert Halfon
The department has extensive packages of support available to ensure schools with sixth forms, sixth form colleges and other providers are prepared to deliver T Levels. This includes:
The department has invested £245 million over the past four years to help providers prepare for industry placements and build relationships with local employers. We recently announced a £12 million employer support fund to reimburse employers for the costs of offering placements. The ‘Connect with employers interested in T Levels’ service enables providers to find employers in their area.