Oral Answers to Questions

Scott Mann Excerpts

Monday 17th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

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

[Scott Mann (North Cornwall) (Con)]

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

--- Later in debate ---

[Damian Hinds]

My hon. Friend is right to identify the issue in rural areas. It is encouraging that the number of good or outstanding schools in his constituency is up from 37 to 41 since 2010, but he is correct that rural areas can face distinct barriers. Through the opportunity areas programme, among other things, we will see what else we can learn to assist social mobility in rural areas.

[Scott Mann]

Recent Policy Exchange research shows that poor behaviour is holding back learning and driving teachers out of the profession. Does the Secretary of State agree that if we drive out that poor behaviour, we can give every child a chance to climb the ladder?

[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.