Written questions by Hinds.

How many full-time equivalent staff will be allocated to the Supporting Families programme in the 2025-26 financial year; and what grades those staff are.

This government is committed to improving outcomes for children and families, and to continuing to work on the reform agenda of which Early Help and Family help are a part. The Supporting Families programme is funded until March 2025. Any future funding will be determined, as is normal, by the Budget and Spending Review process. Any decisions on staffing will be made through the department’s business planning following the Spending Review.

Whether she has plans to review and amend the Supporting Families programme.

The new government is committed to improving outcomes for children and families and to continuing to consider reforms to include Early Help and Family Help.The Supporting Families programme is funded until March 2025. Any future funding will be determined, as is normal, by the Budget and Spending Review process.

What estimate her Department has made of which secondary planning areas will have a ratio of Year 7 pupil numbers forecast to estimated capacity of (a) greater than one, (b) one, (c) at or above 0.97 and below one and (d) at or above 0.95 and below 0.97 for the 2025-26 academic year; and what steps she (i) has taken and (ii) plans to take to increase capacity in each area.

Information on school place planning estimates for the 2025/26 academic year, including pupil forecasts and estimated capacity, are published at planning area level in the annual School Capacity statistics publication. This can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-capacity. The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places sits with local authorities. The department provides capital funding through the Basic Need grant to support local authorities to provide school places, based on their own pupil forecasts and school capacity data. We have already announced allocations up to 2025/26, for places needed by September 2026. Allocations can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-need-allocations.

What estimate her Department has made of which secondary planning areas will have a ratio of pupil numbers forecast to estimated capacity of (a) greater than one, (b) one, (c) at or above 0.97 and below one and (d) at or above 0.95 and below 0.97 for the 2025-26 academic year; and what steps she (i) has taken and (ii) plans to take to increase capacity in each area.

Information on school place planning estimates for the 2025/26 academic year, including pupil forecasts and estimated capacity, are published at planning area level in the annual School Capacity statistics publication. This can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-capacity. The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places sits with local authorities. The department provides capital funding through the Basic Need grant to support local authorities to provide school places, based on their own pupil forecasts and school capacity data. We have already announced allocations up to 2025/26, for places needed by September 2026. Allocations can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-need-allocations.

What estimate her Department has made of which primary planning areas will have a ratio of pupil numbers forecast to estimated capacity of (a) greater than one, (b) one, (c) at or above 0.97 and below one and (d) at or above 0.95 and below 0.97 for the 2025-26 academic year; and what steps she (i) has taken and (ii) plans to take to increase capacity in each area.

Information on school place planning estimates for the 2025/26 academic year, including pupil forecasts and estimated capacity, are published at planning area level in the annual School Capacity statistics publication. This can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-capacity. The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places sits with local authorities. The department provides capital funding through the Basic Need grant to support local authorities to provide school places, based on their own pupil forecasts and school capacity data. We have already announced allocations up to 2025/26, for places needed by September 2026. Allocations can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-need-allocations.

Whether she plans to change the eligibility criteria for free school meals.

The government is driving an agenda of change to break down the barriers of opportunity and to reduce child poverty, working across local and national government to bring about change.Child poverty has increased by 700,000 since 2010, with over four million children now growing up in a low-income family. That is why the government is committed to delivering an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty, tackling the root causes, and giving every child the best start at life. To support this, a new Ministerial taskforce has been set up to begin work on the Child Poverty Strategy.The department is also committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity so that all children have the freedom to achieve and thrive in education. To support this aim, the government is committed to introducing free breakfast clubs in every primary school, to set children up for the day and ensure they are ready to learn, while supporting parents and carers to work.Disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools, as well as 16 to 18 year old students in further education, are entitled to receive free meals on the basis of low income. 2.1 million disadvantaged pupils are registered to receive free school meals (FSM) and a further 90,000 are registered to receive further education free meals. In addition, all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in England's state-funded schools are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals, which benefits around 1.3 million pupils. As with all government programmes, we will keep our approach to FSM under review.

Whether she plans to change the eligibility criteria for funding for secondary school breakfast clubs.

The National School Breakfast Club Programme (NSPB) currently provides breakfast clubs in up to 2,700 participating schools, including secondary, in disadvantaged areas, supporting pupils’ attainment, wellbeing, and readiness to learn.The department is making no changes to the existing eligibility criteria for secondary schools participating in the NSBP which runs until July. Future spending commitments, including on the Breakfast Club programme, will be set out as part of the Spending Review process.

If she will publish a breakdown by (a) region and (b) phase of education for the 6,500 expert specialist teachers.

The within-school and -college factor that makes the biggest difference to a child’s outcomes is high quality teaching. Although overall teacher numbers in state-funded schools in England have increased from 453,820 full-time equivalent (FTE) in November 2019 to 468,693 FTE in November 2023, teacher numbers have not kept pace with demand and there are currently shortages of qualified teachers across the country. That is why this government will work with the sector to deliver its pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers across schools and colleges over the course of this parliament to raise standards for children and young people and deliver the government’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity at every stage.The department will share further details of the plans for delivery in due course. These measures will include getting more teachers into shortage subjects, supporting areas that face recruitment challenges, and tackling retention issues.The department has already made good early progress towards this key pledge by ensuring teaching is once again an attractive and respected profession. The department has accepted in full the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommendation of a 5.5% pay award for teachers and leaders in maintained schools, which is effective from September. The requirement for performance related pay has also been removed.To aid retention, eligible early career teachers in priority science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and technical subjects will be able to claim targeted retention incentive payments worth up to £6,000 after tax from 14 October, with payments made available to college teachers in key STEM and technical subjects for the first time.Alongside this, the department is also supporting teachers to improve their workload and wellbeing, including opportunities for greater flexible working. Teachers are now allowed to undertake planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time remotely and the department is also delivering a programme focused on embedding flexible working in schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs). This includes the delivery of supportive webinars and peer support provided by flexible working ambassador schools and MATs. ​Additionally, the department has made available a range of resources to help address teacher workload and wellbeing, including its ‘Improve workload and wellbeing for school staff’ service and the ‘education staff wellbeing charter’.The department has also expanded the school teacher recruitment campaign, entitled ‘Every Lesson Shapes a Life’, and the Further Education teacher recruitment campaign ‘Share your Skills’.The department is dedicated to working in partnership with the sector to re-establish teaching as an attractive profession and as one that existing teachers want to remain in, former teachers want to return to and new graduates and industry professionals wish to join.My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a Budget on 30 October to be followed by a multi-year Spending Review in the spring of next year. Decisions about future funding will be subject to the outcomes of these fiscal events.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 July 2024 to Question 887 on Teachers: Recruitment, which phases of education count towards the 6,500 target of new expert teachers.

The within-school and -college factor that makes the biggest difference to a child’s outcomes is high quality teaching. Although overall teacher numbers in state-funded schools in England have increased from 453,820 full-time equivalent (FTE) in November 2019 to 468,693 FTE in November 2023, teacher numbers have not kept pace with demand and there are currently shortages of qualified teachers across the country. That is why this government will work with the sector to deliver its pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers across schools and colleges over the course of this parliament to raise standards for children and young people and deliver the government’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity at every stage.The department will share further details of the plans for delivery in due course. These measures will include getting more teachers into shortage subjects, supporting areas that face recruitment challenges, and tackling retention issues.The department has already made good early progress towards this key pledge by ensuring teaching is once again an attractive and respected profession. The department has accepted in full the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommendation of a 5.5% pay award for teachers and leaders in maintained schools, which is effective from September. The requirement for performance related pay has also been removed.To aid retention, eligible early career teachers in priority science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and technical subjects will be able to claim targeted retention incentive payments worth up to £6,000 after tax from 14 October, with payments made available to college teachers in key STEM and technical subjects for the first time.Alongside this, the department is also supporting teachers to improve their workload and wellbeing, including opportunities for greater flexible working. Teachers are now allowed to undertake planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time remotely and the department is also delivering a programme focused on embedding flexible working in schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs). This includes the delivery of supportive webinars and peer support provided by flexible working ambassador schools and MATs. ​Additionally, the department has made available a range of resources to help address teacher workload and wellbeing, including its ‘Improve workload and wellbeing for school staff’ service and the ‘education staff wellbeing charter’.The department has also expanded the school teacher recruitment campaign, entitled ‘Every Lesson Shapes a Life’, and the Further Education teacher recruitment campaign ‘Share your Skills’.The department is dedicated to working in partnership with the sector to re-establish teaching as an attractive profession and as one that existing teachers want to remain in, former teachers want to return to and new graduates and industry professionals wish to join.My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a Budget on 30 October to be followed by a multi-year Spending Review in the spring of next year. Decisions about future funding will be subject to the outcomes of these fiscal events.

What estimate she has made of the total amount of public funding for school breakfast clubs in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2023-24

There are 2,700 schools participating in the National Schools Breakfast Programme. In 2023/24, £12 million was made available to fund the National Breakfast Club Programme. This government will now go further to ensure that every primary school age child can benefit from breakfast clubs. The department has taken decisive action by announcing in the King’s Speech that, under the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, every primary school in England with primary aged pupils will offer a breakfast club. Legislating for breakfast club provision will give schools the certainty they need to plan for the future. Before the legislation comes into force, the department will work closely with the sector to make sure the right support, including funding, guidance and resources, is in place.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of maintaining real-terms levels of funding for the Holiday Activities and Food programme in the (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26 financial years.

All 153 local authorities in England have been delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. The future of the HAF programme beyond 31 March 2025 is subject to the next government Spending Review taking place this autumn. The outcome of the review will be communicated in due course.

If she will make an estimate of the proportion of pupils in bands A-F of the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index that attend schools (a) eligible for and (b) participating in the national school breakfast club programme.

The National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP) currently supports up to 2,700 participating schools in disadvantaged areas. Around 80% of pupils living in Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) A to F areas attend a school eligible for the NSBP, with around 25% of pupils attending a school participating in the NSBP. There is no requirement for children attending a school participating in the NSBP to engage with the breakfast club.

What estimate she has made of the proportion of independent schools that are (a) in the teachers' pension scheme and (b) not in phased withdrawal as of (i) the most recent date for which data are available and (ii) October 2021.

The scheme administrator maintains a record of the number of independent schools participating in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), as well as those that have elected for phased withdrawal. However, as participation is voluntary for this sector, the scheme administrator does not have a figure of the total number that could participate. Eligibility is only considered at the time that an independent school applies to join the TPS.Data from September 2024 shows that there are 601 independent schools that are fully participating in the TPS and a further 247 that have opted for phased withdrawal. A bespoke report would need to be obtained from the scheme administrator for the position in October 2021.The department does not have an estimate of the proportion of independent school teachers who are in the TPS. As not all independent schools participate in the TPS, the scheme administrator does not hold this information.The department maintains financial records via the Annual Report and Accounts, in addition to the scheme valuation, which is scheduled to take place every four years. However, the specific data on the revenue to the teachers’ pension scheme from independent schools’ employers’ contributions is not available as the TPS does not require it for the purposes of the administration of the scheme.The department does not hold projected revenue figures for the TPS specifically from independent school employer contributions for 2024/25 or 2025/26.

What her Department’s spending on breakfast club programmes was for (a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools and (c) in total in 2023-24.

In 2023/2024, the department’s spending on the National School Breakfast Programme was a total of £7,819,102. Primary school total spending was £5,242,446 and secondary school total spending was £2,166,983. This is excluding special schools.

Whether her planned spending on the expansion of school breakfast clubs is contingent on the amount of revenue raised from fiscal measures targeted on people with non-domiciled status.

Matters of taxation are for my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Chancellor has announced a Budget on 30 October to be followed by a multi-year Spending Review in the spring of next year. Decisions about future spending will be subject to those events.

What estimate she has made of the total amount of public funding for free school meals in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2023-24.

Local authorities receive their core funding for schools through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Since 2018/19, the DSG allocations have been calculated based on the national funding formula (NFF). The schools NFF includes a ’free school meal (FSM) factor’ which is broadly intended to cover the cost of providing free meals for eligible pupils. In 2023/24, schools received £480 for each eligible primary and secondary pupil through this factor. A total of £842 million was distributed through the FSM factor in financial year 2023/24. In addition to the FSM factor in the NFF, the department also provides additional funding for free meals through the universal infant free school meal (UIFSM) grant. This grant enables all government funded schools to offer FSM to pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2. In the 2023/24 academic year, £626 million was allocated through the UIFSM. The equivalent figures are not available for 2009/10. Prior to the introduction of the NFF in 2018/19, the DSG was calculated in a different way, without a separate ‘FSM factor’. UIFSM was introduced in 2014.

What her Department's projected spending is on breakfast club programmes for secondary schools in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

The department will be spending up to £11 million on the National School Breakfast Programme in 2024/25.The government has already taken decisive action by announcing in the King’s Speech that, under the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, every state funded school with primary aged pupils will offer a free breakfast club. Legislating for breakfast club provision will give schools the certainty they need to plan for the future.Future spending commitments, including on the Breakfast Club programme, will be set out as part of the Spending Review process. The department is working closely with schools and sector experts to develop a programme that meets the needs of children, schools and parents.

How many independent schools (a) opened and (b) closed in each year from the earliest year for which data are available.

The government has maintained a register of independent schools since the Education Act 1944 came into force in 1945. The register shows that 3679 independent schools have opened since 1945. Data on independent school closures is available from 1987 and shows 2674 independent schools have closed since 1987. The attached table outlines how many independent schools have opened and closed in each year. Data on school registration and closure can be found at. https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/.

What her policy is on funding support for breakfast clubs at special schools.

The government is committed to making quick progress to deliver on its commitment to offer breakfast clubs in every school with primary aged pupils. Departmental officials are working closely with schools and sector experts to develop a programme that meets the needs of all children, including children with special educational needs and disabilities, schools and parents. The government has already taken decisive action by announcing in the King’s Speech that, under the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, every state funded school with primary aged children will offer a free breakfast club. Legislating for breakfast club provision will give schools the certainty they need to plan for the future. The department is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs, to restore parents’ trust that their child will get the support they need.

How many full-time equivalent teachers (a) there were in 2019, (b) there are in 2024 and (c) she plans to have in post by 2029.

The within-school and -college factor that makes the biggest difference to a child’s outcomes is high quality teaching. Although overall teacher numbers in state-funded schools in England have increased from 453,820 full-time equivalent (FTE) in November 2019 to 468,693 FTE in November 2023, teacher numbers have not kept pace with demand and there are currently shortages of qualified teachers across the country. That is why this government will work with the sector to deliver its pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers across schools and colleges over the course of this parliament to raise standards for children and young people and deliver the government’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity at every stage.The department will share further details of the plans for delivery in due course. These measures will include getting more teachers into shortage subjects, supporting areas that face recruitment challenges, and tackling retention issues.The department has already made good early progress towards this key pledge by ensuring teaching is once again an attractive and respected profession. The department has accepted in full the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommendation of a 5.5% pay award for teachers and leaders in maintained schools, which is effective from September. The requirement for performance related pay has also been removed.To aid retention, eligible early career teachers in priority science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and technical subjects will be able to claim targeted retention incentive payments worth up to £6,000 after tax from 14 October, with payments made available to college teachers in key STEM and technical subjects for the first time.Alongside this, the department is also supporting teachers to improve their workload and wellbeing, including opportunities for greater flexible working. Teachers are now allowed to undertake planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time remotely and the department is also delivering a programme focused on embedding flexible working in schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs). This includes the delivery of supportive webinars and peer support provided by flexible working ambassador schools and MATs. ​Additionally, the department has made available a range of resources to help address teacher workload and wellbeing, including its ‘Improve workload and wellbeing for school staff’ service and the ‘education staff wellbeing charter’.The department has also expanded the school teacher recruitment campaign, entitled ‘Every Lesson Shapes a Life’, and the Further Education teacher recruitment campaign ‘Share your Skills’.The department is dedicated to working in partnership with the sector to re-establish teaching as an attractive profession and as one that existing teachers want to remain in, former teachers want to return to and new graduates and industry professionals wish to join.My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a Budget on 30 October to be followed by a multi-year Spending Review in the spring of next year. Decisions about future funding will be subject to the outcomes of these fiscal events.