Education Settings: Wider Opening

Stephen Metcalfe Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

We aim to get all the computers that we have purchased out by the end of June, and we are on course to be able to do that. We also recognise the importance of supporting children through not just online learning, but additional learning that we can provide for them through schools. We are making sure that we have also supported schools to be able to have Microsoft Teams and Google platforms in order to help them deliver more learning online and, for physical learning, we are ensuring that they can deliver by sending resources to pupils directly as well.

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con) [V]]

Attending school supports not only children’s education, but their wellbeing. Returning to normal routine will be immensely beneficial. Will my right hon. Friend therefore also look at reintroducing the vital school fruit and vegetable scheme as soon as possible for schools such as Lee Chapel Primary School to ensure that the most vulnerable children get access to fresh, nutritious food?

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend makes the important point that getting children back into routine is vital, and getting as many children as we can back into the classroom is a top priority for all of us. The fruit and vegetable scheme is led by the Department of Health and Social Care, but I will be in contact with it to have discussions, and I will get back to my hon. Friend on the matter.

Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Metcalfe Excerpts

Monday 2nd March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con)]

3. What steps he is taking to ensure further education colleges are able to deliver skills required for the future.

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)]

11. What steps he is taking to ensure further education colleges are able to deliver skills required for the future.

[Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con)]

16. What steps he is taking to ensure further education colleges are able to deliver skills required for the future.

--- Later in debate ---

[Stephen Metcalfe]

As the Government envoy for engineering, may I welcome last week’s announcement of over £14 million to improve college leadership? Does my hon. Friend agree that quality leadership is a vital part of ensuring that colleges are able to deliver the engineering skills our economy will need in the future?

[Gillian Keegan]

I should like to start by paying tribute to the leadership that my hon. Friend has shown in championing the cause of apprenticeships in his role as a national apprenticeship ambassador, a role that I held myself. On the issue that he has raised, strong leadership and governance are critical to the success of colleges, and this funding will help colleges to invest in current and future leaders. South Essex College, which has campuses around the south Essex area, is just one example of how good leadership can deliver for local businesses and for young people, including many of my hon. Friend’s own constituents.