Asked by: Sarah Hall (Labour (Co-op) - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of ensuring that the Curriculum and Assessment Review focuses on the provision of (a) inclusive and (b) nurturing approaches to education.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
The Curriculum and Assessment Review is being independently conducted by a group of education leaders and chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The terms of reference were published in July and are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/curriculum-and-assessment-review.
The review has been asked to consider how to remove both barriers to learning and ceilings to achievement. It will support the innovation and professionalism of teachers, enabling them to adapt how they teach the curriculum to their students’ lives and life experiences. It will also ensure that the curriculum appropriately balances ambition, excellence, relevance, flexibility and inclusivity for all children and young people.
The role of the review group is to consider the evidence, the responses to the call for evidence and widespread engagement with the sector, and then make recommendations for the government to consider.
The review group will publish an interim report early in 2025 setting out their interim findings and confirming the key areas for further work. The final review with recommendations will be published in autumn 2025.
The government will consider changes in light of the recommendations of the review.
Asked by: Sarah Hall (Labour (Co-op) - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the metrics by which the new Ofsted report cards will judge their inclusion criterion.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
The department is working closely with Ofsted on inspection reform. Schools should be held accountable for their approach to inclusion so that all children are given the high quality support they need to learn and thrive. Report cards are currently in development and will be consulted upon in the new year.
Asked by: Sarah Hall (Labour (Co-op) - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, Education what steps her Department is taking to ensure Ofsted inspections assess the steps schools take to ensure children’s wellbeing on the school estate.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
This is a matter for His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend, the Member for Warrington South, and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Asked by: Sarah Hall (Labour (Co-op) - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the cost of (a) badges and (b) piping for school uniforms on household expenditure.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
The department has not assessed the impact of the cost of specific designs for school uniforms on household expenditure. However, the department recently published its latest research on the cost of school uniforms, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms-survey-2023.
This research surveyed parents and carers of children aged 4 to 16 attending state-funded schools in England and found that average uniform expenditure decreased as the range of outlets from which parents/carers were allowed to purchase items increased. The average spend on items was significantly lower where all could be purchased from anywhere (£227.29), than where all had to be purchased from a designated shop or from a school (£283.90).
That is why as part of the King’s Speech, the department has committed to legislate to limit the number of expensive branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require.
Asked by: Sarah Hall (Labour (Co-op) - Warrington South)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will commission a review into the potential impact of school uniform pricing on the average price of school uniforms.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
The department keeps the price of school uniforms under regular review and recently published its latest research on the cost of school uniforms, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms-survey-2023.
The department also already publishes statutory guidance on the costs of school uniform.
However, too many families still tell the department that the cost of school uniform remains a financial burden. That is why, as part of the Kings Speech, the department has committed to legislate to limit the number of expensive branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require.