Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Kohler Excerpts

Monday 27th January 2025 Commons Chamber

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

High-quality childcare and early education is a crucial opportunity to transform life chances, but too often it is unavailable or unaffordable. That is why this Labour Government are committed to delivering additional places in new and expanded school-based nurseries. I congratulate my hon. Friend’s school on the work it is doing. Our plans will benefit children and parents with high-quality and accessible provision.

[Mr Paul Kohler (Wimbledon) (LD)]

T2. The Government’s decision to make schools foot the bill for the teachers’ pay award is pushing many schools closer to the brink. As the head of Richard Challoner school in my constituency told me, his and many other schools are being forced to consider severe cuts to balance their budgets. What support will the Secretary of State give schools in those difficult circumstances?

[Bridget Phillipson]

I recognise the challenging context that many schools experience after 14 years under the Conservatives. At the Budget, notwithstanding the severe challenges that we face, the Chancellor prioritised key education areas, including making sure that we could deliver on that 5.5% pay award for teachers that the last Government refused to back.