Written questions by Maguire.

What steps she is taking to support school’s in administering statutory suicide prevention training from September 2026.

The updated 'relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education' statutory guidance, published on 15 July 2025, will be implemented in schools from September 2026. The guidance strengthens content on mental health and wellbeing and requires that all secondary schools should also consider how to safely address suicide prevention.The department has been clear that schools should consult mental health professionals and put in place high quality, evidence-based staff training before addressing suicide directly with secondary aged pupils, to ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to do it safely.

When her Department plans to publish its review of safeguarding requirements in childcare nurseries.

The safety of our youngest children is our utmost priority, and we continually monitor and review safeguarding requirements for early years settings to make sure children are kept safe.In September 2025 the department implemented changes to the early year’s foundation stage statutory framework to strengthen safeguarding requirements across early years settings, including enhanced expectations on safer recruitment, child absences, safer eating, safeguarding training and whistleblowing. We also introduced a new safeguarding training annex setting out what safeguarding training must cover. To support the sector, we are developing a safeguarding training package in collaboration with the NSPCC aligned to the new criteria, which will be free to access online.The department is appointing an expert panel to inform the development of guidance for the early years sector on digital devices and CCTV within safeguarding. This guidance will consider whether CCTV should be mandated and will set out best practice, technical advice and clear expectations.In additional from April, we are funding Ofsted to improve inspection quality and consistency through stronger quality assurance and targeted inspector training. We are also funding Ofsted to inspect all new early years providers within 18 months of opening and to move towards inspecting all providers at least once every four years, compared to the current six year window.As announced in the ‘Best Start in Life’ publication, the department is working collaboratively with Ofsted to introduce reporting on nursery chain groups to address issues spanning across groups of providers. The publication can be found here: https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/.

If she will hold a consultation on the mandatory use of CCTV in childcare nurseries.

The early years foundation stage statutory framework requires providers to have safeguarding policies that address the use of mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities. Decisions about installing and using CCTV are for individual providers, subject to safeguarding and data protection requirements. While CCTV can support safeguarding, it is most effective when combined with strong safeguarding cultures, supported by training, supervision and effective oversight.As part of the department’s ongoing review of safeguarding requirements, an expert advisory panel is being established to inform sector guidance on the safe and effective use of CCTV and digital devices within safeguarding. This guidance will consider whether CCTV should be mandated and will set out best practice, technical advice and clear expectations.My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has sent invites to experts and groups identified as best placed to ensure that the guidance is high quality and evidence informed. The first meeting will take place in early March.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the primary assessment system on pupil wellbeing, including for pupils with SEND.

Primary assessments were reviewed as part of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, led by Professor Becky Francis. The review panel published their final report last month, concluding that the primary assessment system is generally working well and that the assessments are important for evaluating pupils’ progress.The report made some recommendations to improve the system, including revising the key stage 2 writing assessments and teacher frameworks to support fluent writing. The report also recommended exploring options for increasing inclusivity in assessments where they may not be as accessible for certain groups of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, particularly for the phonics screening checks and the multiplication tables check. The government has accepted these recommendations and the Standards and Testing Agency is now working on their implementation.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the 2025 Key Stage 2 SATs results for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities; and what steps are being taken to help reduce disparities in attainment.

This government is focused on securing an excellent education for every child and young person to enable them to achieve and thrive.Following the government response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review report, we are working on development of a reformed curriculum and assessment system that is ambitious for every child, ensuring those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) leave school with the skills and knowledge they need.Our English Hubs programme is dedicated to improving the teaching of reading, and our Reading Ambition for All programme will improve outcomes for children in primary who need additional support with reading, including those with SEND. We are also expanding Continuing Professional Development for primary and secondary teachers to strengthen reading instruction for all pupils.We know some children face real challenges in maths. That’s why we’re supporting schools through our national Maths hubs, helping teachers deliver effective, inclusive lessons.

What consideration her Department has given to alternative models of primary assessment.

Primary assessments were reviewed as part of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, led by Professor Becky Francis. The review panel published their final report last month, concluding that the primary assessment system is generally working well and that the assessments are important for evaluating pupils’ progress.The report made some recommendations to improve the system, including revising the key stage 2 writing assessments and teacher frameworks to support fluent writing. The report also recommended exploring options for increasing inclusivity in assessments where they may not be as accessible for certain groups of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, particularly for the phonics screening checks and the multiplication tables check. The government has accepted these recommendations and the Standards and Testing Agency is now working on their implementation.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of further funding for Family Hubs to restore integrated early support for children and families.

Ensuring every child has the best start in life and the chance to achieve and to thrive, are the foundation stones of the government’s Opportunity Mission.The government has committed to provide funding for all local authorities to deliver Best Start Family Hubs, backed by over £500 million, to help families in every part of the country. The rollout will deliver up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs nationwide by the end of 2028, reaching an estimated additional 500,000 children.As of March 2025, there are over 600 Family Hubs across the 88 funded local authorities.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure schools have adequate (a) training and (b) resources to support children with dyslexia.

The department is committed to improving support for all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including pupils with dyslexia. The English Hubs programme is dedicated to improving the teaching of reading, and the Reading Ambition for All programme will improve outcomes for children in primary who need additional support with reading, including those with SEND.All statutory initial teacher training and early career teacher training must cover adaptive teaching and supporting pupils with SEND. The department has reviewed the content of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework, adding more content related to adaptive teaching and supporting improving inclusivity for SEND pupils. We have also enhanced the requirement on providers to develop SEND specific training materials.In 2024 we began delivery of the national professional qualification for special educational needs co-ordinators. This mandatory qualification will support participants to develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to set the strategic direction of SEND policy in schools and the conditions in which pupils with SEND can thrive.

If she will introduce a national (a) training and (b) accreditation programme to allow the recognition of school staff with automated external defibrillator responsibilities as competent persons for equipment governance.

Defibrillators are designed so they can be used safely with no prior training. Users are prompted to follow step-by-step instructions on the device at the time of use. Suggesting only trained individuals can use defibrillators can unintentionally deter use in an emergency, where every minute is critical.As defibrillators are designed to be used with no prior training, the department does not believe an accreditation programme is necessary.Schools must ensure they comply with their first aid equipment responsibilities. The department provides defibrillator guidance to supports schools. The guidance is not intended to be read in isolation but provides schools with clear, practical, and accessible advice that supports the widespread adoption of defibrillators, including maintenance, as part of school first aid provision.Schools can access additional support in managing their defibrillator by registering it on the British Heart Foundation’s national defibrillator network, The Circuit. The Circuit provides schools with regular reminders to check their device. More information can be found here: www.thecircuit.uk.

How many children of primary school age in September 2025 are waiting for an EHCP assessment.

The department does not hold information on the number of children waiting for an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment.The department does collect and publish information from local authorities on the number of requests for an EHC needs assessment received, and the number of EHC needs assessments carried out during the calendar year. The latest published figures relate to the 2024 calendar year and were published 26 June 2025. Information for the 2025 calendar year will be published in summer 2026.The number of requests for an EHC needs assessment which were outstanding at the end of the 2024 calendar year by age, is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/667cfd50-479e-4427-f991-08de0724494a.The number of EHC needs assessments carried out where the outcome was outstanding at the end of the 2024 calendar year by age, is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/0713cf5f-cbc9-4957-f992-08de0724494a.

What the average waiting time was to receive an EHCP assessment in (a) England and (b) Surrey during the latest 12 months for which data is available.

Information on the number and percentage of education, health and care (EHC) plans issued within the statutory 20 week deadline, with and without statutory exceptions to that deadline applying, is published as part of the statistical release, Education, Health and Care Plans – Reporting year 2024, which can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans/2025. The latest published figures relate to the 2024 calendar year and were published on 26 June 2025. Information for the 2025 calendar year will be published in summer 2026.The number and proportion of plans issued within, and over, the statutory 20 week deadline, for England and Surrey during the 2024 calendar year can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/3512e185-e65b-4cd7-f98d-08de0724494a.

How many SEND children without an Education, Health, and Care plan are home schooled.

The latest statistics on elective home education (EHE), including information on characteristics, are published here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/elective-home-education/2024-25-autumn-term For autumn term 2024/25, 16% of EHE children were recorded as special educational needs support or special educational needs without an education, health and care plan. This compares with 14% of the overall school population.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in living costs on children's levels of access to (a) extracurricular activities, (b) school trips and (c) enrichment programmes.

The department has recently announced the extension of the holiday activities and food programme (HAF) with over £600 million for the next three financial years. This means nutritious meals and exciting activities for more than half a million children across the country every year, helping them to thrive during the school holidays.The department will also be publishing a new Enrichment Framework by the end of this year, supporting schools to create a broad and accessible enrichment offer for all pupils.The department recognises the impact the cost of living may have on children’s participation in a variety of enrichment activities and is working to ensure that all children have access to beneficial opportunities of this sort. We continue to collect data on pupil participation in enrichment through our omnibus surveys.

How many and what proportion of children in the early adopter scheme free breakfast clubs are eligible for free school meals.

From the start of summer term 2025, we have funded 750 schools to deliver a free breakfast club as part of our early adopter scheme. All reception to year 6 pupils at these schools are able to access the free clubs.Early adopter schools were selected based on a range of characteristics so that the department can test and learn with as many different types of schools as possible. The early adopter schools have an average Free School Meals eligibility rate of around 30%.So far, we have delivered over 2.6 million breakfasts and offered places to almost 180,000 pupils across the country, including nearly 79,000 pupils in disadvantaged areas.

What steps her Department is taking to support (a) students and (b) parents impacted by reports of abuse at the Bramley Hill School in Surrey.

Independent Schools are regulated under requirements laid out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, and local authorities have no powers to appoint an interim executive board.The department takes any indication of risk of harm incredibly seriously and does not hesitate to take swift enforcement action, from emergency inspections right through to school closure, where necessary and appropriate. Ofsted inspected Bramley Hill School in 2024. All the Independent School Standards were met.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of using her Section 69 of the Education Act 2006 powers to appoint an interim executive board to the Bramley Hill School in Surrey.

Independent Schools are regulated under requirements laid out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, and local authorities have no powers to appoint an interim executive board.The department takes any indication of risk of harm incredibly seriously and does not hesitate to take swift enforcement action, from emergency inspections right through to school closure, where necessary and appropriate. Ofsted inspected Bramley Hill School in 2024. All the Independent School Standards were met.

If her Department will ensure that menstrual products provided through the free school programme are (a) organic and (b) reusable.

Nobody should have to miss out on education because of their period, which is why the department provides free period products to girls and women in their place of study through the Period Products Scheme. ​The scheme offers a broad range of products for organisations to choose from, including certified organic and chemical-free tampons and pads, as well as reusable options such as period pants.

When her Department plans to set out a timeline for reforming the SEND system.

This government is determined to deliver reform that stands the test of time and rebuilds the confidence of families, which is why we’re launching a further period of listening and engagement – testing our proposals with parents, teachers and experts in every region of the country, so that lived experience and partnership are at the heart of our solutions. We know that families are crying out for change, and that is exactly why it is critical we get this right. We will set out the full Schools White Paper in the new year, building on the work we’ve already done to create a system that’s rooted in inclusion, where children receive high-quality support early on and can thrive at their local school.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure young people with SEND can access the Youth Guarantee.

The ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper introduced the Youth Guarantee, ensuring every 18 to 21 year-old in England can access education, training, an apprenticeship, supported internships or help to find work. The department is working to make this inclusive for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).The Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme is providing £45 million funding for eight mayoral combined authorities from spring 2025. The Youth Guarantee trailblazers are testing focused support for vulnerable groups such as care leavers, young people with SEND and young people educated in alternative provision settings. This focused support includes mentoring, confidence building, coaching and financial management skills. This testing will inform the future rollout of the Youth Guarantee.The department is taking several other steps to help those with SEND access the Youth Guarantee, including:Introducing a new Foundation Apprenticeship and shorter more flexible apprenticeships to reduce entry barriers for young people with SEND.Increased wraparound and personalised support to improve mental health and employability support for school leavers.Continuing to invest to build the capacity and quality of Supported Internships by providing up to £12 million to March 2026. This includes a pilot testing supported internships with young people with SEND but who do not have education, health and care plans.The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper commits to ‘building a system that leaves no learner behind’ by joining up skills and employment systems, expanding flexible training options, and guaranteeing access to education or work pathways for all, including those at risk of becoming not in education, employment, or training.

When she will make an emergency inspection of the Bramley Hill School in Surrey.

Private schools must meet the Independent School Standards, at all times, and are inspected at least every three years.Bramley Hill was inspected by Ofsted in March 2024 when all the Independent School Standards were found to be met.Concerns about safeguarding in a private school can be raised by contacting the Local Authority Designated Officer if an allegation is made against a member of staff, or the department if there are concerns about the school’s overall safeguarding culture or compliance.Where information suggests that children may be at risk, an emergency inspection can be commissioned.