Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Wood Excerpts

Monday 17th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con)]

17. What steps his Department is taking to improve social mobility.

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

22. What steps his Department is taking to improve social mobility.

--- Later in debate ---

[Damian Hinds]

Yes, indeed. Classrooms must be safe, calm and stimulating places for both children and teachers. The Policy Exchange report highlights what the best-performing schools do. We recently pledged £10 million to help share best practice in behaviour management, which we know is so important to teachers.

[Mike Wood]

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the Institute for Fiscal Studies report of 31 October, which shows that since 2010, our reforms have meant more funding going to pupils from poorer backgrounds? If so, will he join me in welcoming that report?

[Damian Hinds]

I welcome the IFS report. We want a country with maximum opportunity for everybody, regardless of their background. The IFS report identifies how reforms since 2010 have increased funding in favour of pupils from poorer backgrounds. That is part of starting to redress the balance and ensure that there are no limits on any child’s potential.