Oral Answers to Questions

Steve McCabe Excerpts

Monday 23rd October 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Emma Hardy—not here.

[Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab)]

22. What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the number of apprenticeship starts in the 2022-23 academic year.

[The Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education (Robert Halfon)]

There were more than 335,000 starts in the 2022-23 academic year and more people undertaking high-level apprenticeships, with starts at level 4 and above increasing by 7%. Those are provisional figures; further figures will be set out in November. We are increasing investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024-25.

[Steve McCabe]

I thank the Minister for that answer, but given the decline in level 2 and 3 apprenticeship starts, might it be an idea to consider the views of leading industry experts who are calling for the ringfencing of apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds?

[Robert Halfon]

I say to the hon. Gentleman, whom I respect enormously, that 70% of apprentices are at level 2 or 3. I hoped that he would be getting up to celebrate the 10,130 apprenticeship starts in Birmingham, Selly Oak since May 2010.

--- Later in debate ---

[Nick Gibb]

No, it does not. The advanced British standard will offer a broad, balanced and knowledge-rich curriculum that builds on reforms of the last decade. Its curriculum will form a core part of the formal consultation in the coming months. GCSEs remain important, rigorous and highly regarded qualifications, providing preparation for the new advanced British standard.

[Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab)]

T5.   When does the Minister anticipate that it might be possible to deliver at least half of all education, health and care plans for SEND children within the Government’s own legal timeframe?

[David Johnston]

We are undertaking a significant programme of reform to ensure not only that EHCPs are delivered in the right timeframe but that children get the support they need at an earlier stage without needing one.