Early Education and Childcare

Debate between Mark Sewards and Stephen Morgan

Thursday 4th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mark Sewards]

Will the Minister join me in encouraging parents in my constituency of Leeds South West and Morley to take advantage of everything this Government have done to make the lives of parents and children easier?

[Stephen Morgan]

Well, I thank my hon. Friend for that very good question! It was a real privilege to visit his constituency and to see the brilliant work that childcare providers are doing in his patch, ensuring that every child gets the best start in life. He is a real voice on these issues, and will be working closely with me and the team to deliver further change for our country.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Sewards and Stephen Morgan

Monday 28th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mark Sewards (Leeds South West and Morley) (Lab)]

1. What steps she is taking to help support SEND children not in full-time education.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)]

We are committed to reforming the special educational needs and disabilities system. We are also acting now through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, children not in school registers and a duty on local authorities to provide advice to eligible families. We will help local authorities identify and support these children to achieve and thrive.

[Mark Sewards]

I recently met a constituent at my surgery whose son has missed out on more than 800 hours of education. That is despite her attempts to find special educational provision for her son in 14 different schools across our region. She is now very concerned, because the council has said that he is at risk of criminal exploitation and cannot be left alone. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this case and also provide reassurance that this Government will ensure that vulnerable SEND students get the educational provision they deserve?

[Stephen Morgan]

One of the ministerial team will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the important issues that he raises. All children are legally entitled to a full-time education, which is important for their educational progress, their wellbeing and their wider development. It is the local authority’s responsibility to arrange suitable education when it is not already in place, and I encourage my hon. Friend to contact his local authority to discuss this matter further.