Schools White Paper

Mike Wood Excerpts
Monday 28th March 2022

(2 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nadhim Zahawi Portrait Nadhim Zahawi
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I know that the hon. Member is passionate and appreciate that he wants to work constructively. I know that the bid is in—the Minister for School Standards is looking at all bids—but he makes a powerful point, and I will happily work with him, because I know that he will care about the evidence; unlike, sadly, his Labour Front-Bench colleagues.

Mike Wood Portrait Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con)
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Having married into a family of teachers, I know how talented and passionate many of our teachers are. However, many teacher training courses include very little content on learning difficulties or speech and language conditions. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that all teachers receive the special educational needs and disability training that they need through initial teacher training and continuing development to give every child the best possible start in life?

Nadhim Zahawi Portrait Nadhim Zahawi
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My hon. Friend raises a powerful point. We are considering a national professional qualification for special educational needs as well as early intervention. He will hear more about that from me tomorrow in the Green Paper announcement.