Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will meet with the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock to discuss academy schools in that constituency.

As the Minister responsible for academies, I will happily consider a meeting with the hon. member for South Basildon and East Thurrock. In addition, the Regional Director for the East of England offers regular meetings with Members of Parliament to discuss matters of interest. He has been asked to contact you to discuss academy schools in your constituency.

Regional Directors work locally across children’s social care, special educational needs and disabilities, schools and area-based programmes to improve outcomes for children, families and learners. They offer support and intervene where necessary to deliver rapid improvement.