Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the report Locked out of learning published by Refugee Action in March; and in what ways they have responded to its recommendations.

The Government welcomes the report published by Refugee Action earlier this year, highlighting for example, the need for a dedicated fund to support refugees to learn English.

The Government will provide up to £10 million over five years to support refugees learning English who have come to the UK as part of the Vulnerable People’s Relocation Scheme. This is in addition to the funding provided to local councils as part of this scheme, which also covers English language training.

Since September this year all local councils resettling Syrian families are required to provide a minimum of eight hours formal tuition a week within a month of arrival, for a period of 12 months or until the individual reaches English for Speakers of Other Languages entry level 3.

In addition, all adults who are granted refugee status or humanitarian protection are eligible for the same skills funding as any other English resident.