Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps were taken to rural proof the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy.

The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy has been designed to support all schools. The strategy commits to partnering with schools, multi academy trusts, and local authorities in challenging areas to develop local initiatives that support recruitment and retention of teachers. The department is exploring how this could be developed to benefit different communities, including those in rural areas. As we design key reforms, such as the early career framework, we will ensure they meet the needs of all schools, including rural schools.