Written questions by Shannon.

How many children are awaiting a statement of educational needs in England and Wales.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. The special educational needs and disability code of practice published in 2014 replaced all statements of special educational needs with education, health and care (EHC) plans. No new statements were issued and all existing statements were converted to EHC plans by 2019. The department does not hold data for the number of children and young people awaiting EHC plans. The number of children and young people for whom an EHC needs assessment was requested during 2024 and who are waiting for that assessment to be completed as of January 2025 is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/ce81a1c1-24b4-4157-fc02-08de55ac55be. The number of EHC needs assessments carried out during 2024, and the number where the outcome of that assessment is ongoing as of January 2025, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/cee798f6-fb96-459e-ac19-08de532c2243. The figures are from the 2025 EHC plans publication, which is available at:: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans/2025. These figures have been available since 26th June 2025.

How many children in England and Wales in primary school have a classroom assistant full time.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The department does not hold data on whether a child has access to a teaching assistant full time or for part of their school day.Schools in England are asked to record the headcount and (FTE of their teaching assistants. In the November 2024 school workforce census, there were a reported 288,800 teaching assistants (FTE).Information on the school workforce in England, including the number of teaching assistants in state-funded schools, is published in the ’School workforce in England statistical publication. The publication is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england/2024.These figures have been available since 5 June 2025.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to funding for schools on the development of young children.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The additional funding announced at the Spending Review will deliver an above real terms per pupil increase up to 2028/29. Core school funding is increasing by £1.7 billion in the 2026/27 financial year to a total of £67 billion.This investment is a critical step forward in our mission to support all children and young people to achieve and thrive and will support teachers and leaders to deliver high and rising standards.

What steps are being taken to ensure schools are up to date with fire safety guidance.

Each school’s responsible body, usually an academy trust or local authority, are responsible for ensuring that their schools comply with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.This means they must have an up-to-date fire risk assessment, appropriate fire alarms and regular fire drills, to ensure they are as safe as possible and well prepared in the event of a fire.The department supports schools by providing guidance on estates management and responsibility in the Good Estates Guide for Schools.

What plans she has for schools to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.All schools are encouraged to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education wrote to schools in 2025 highlighting the importance of commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day. The annual marking of Holocaust Memorial Day is an important moment in the calendar where we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children killed by the Nazis and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution.The Holocaust is the only historic event which is compulsory within the current national curriculum for history at key stage 3. The government has made a commitment that the Holocaust will remain a compulsory topic in the reformed national curriculum, which will also be required teaching in academy schools when it is implemented.The department actively supports schools to provide high quality teaching on the Holocaust through University College London Centre for Holocaust Education’s continuous professional development work, and through the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz’s programme. In addition, the Supporting Holocaust Survivor Testimony in Teaching programme will support schools in using recorded Holocaust survivor testimony in their teaching.

Whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the provision of agricultural education in schools.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education meets with Cabinet colleagues, including my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on the actions she is taking to secure high quality education for all pupils, but has not met to discuss agricultural education as a discrete issue.The national curriculum is a framework designed to give teachers the flexibility to cover particular topics in greater depth if they wish. For example, giving them the freedom to teach about agriculture within the geography and science curricula..

How many days of school closure were there in 2025 due to adverse weather conditions.

Decisions about school closures are made by individual settings and responsible bodies based on local risk assessments. Closure should be a last resort, with schools expected to remain open where it is safe. If a school must close unexpectedly, such as due to adverse weather, no attendance register is taken and the session is recorded as ‘not possible’ for statistical purposes. During temporary closures, schools should consider providing remote education in line with departmental guidance. Pupils receiving remote education are still recorded as absent using the appropriate absence code. Schools should monitor engagement with remote education, although this is not formally recorded in attendance data.

How many schools in England are fitted with evacuation chairs.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. Decisions on the provision and use of evacuation chairs should be made locally and on a case-by-case basis, based on the individual’s needs and preferences and their building’s evacuation plan requirements. The responsible body (the relevant local authority, academy trust or voluntary-aided body) is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all the occupants of their buildings. Under fire safety legislation, those responsible for the building must ensure that everyone can leave safely in the event of a fire. Schools and colleges have a duty under the Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments for individuals with limited mobility. Anyone requiring assistance should therefore have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) in place. The government’s guidance is clear that, where a PEEP of a student or member of staff requires an evacuation chair, it must be provided.

If she will make it her policy to introduce an auto-enrolment system for all children eligible for free school meals.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child poverty. Introducing a new eligibility threshold for free school meals (FSM) so that all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be eligible for FSM from September 2026 will make it easier for parents to know whether they are entitled to receive free meals. This new entitlement will mean over 500,000 of the most disadvantaged children will begin to access free meals, pulling 100,000 children out of poverty.We are also rolling out improvements to the Eligibility Checking System which will make it easier for local authorities, schools and parents to check if children are eligible for free meals.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the current use of AI in schools.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The department recognises the transformative potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) use in schools when used safely and effectively. However, we also recognise that evidence is still emerging on GenAI use in schools.That is why the department collects biennial evidence via the Technology in Schools survey, with our most recent report published on 27 November 2025 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/technology-in-schools-survey-report-2024-to-2025.We also collect more regular evidence via Omnibus Surveys and work closely with the sector and stakeholders to understand how we are pioneering safe and effective adoption of AI in schools. We have published guidance and toolkits for educators, launched the EdTech Evidence Board pilot to build confidence in education technology (EdTech) products, and developed product safety expectations with industry partners. We are also funding innovation through initiatives such as Oak National Academy’s AI lesson planning assistant.Our approach balances opportunity with risk, prioritising child-centred design, safeguarding, data protection and evidence-based pedagogy.

What steps she is taking to support creative education in schools.

Education is a devolved matter, and this response relates to state-funded schools in England only.On 5 November, the government issued the response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, setting out the changes that will be made to the national curriculum, as well as reforms to qualifications, school accountability and enrichment. The first teaching of a refreshed curriculum will be September 2028, and will include improvements in music, art and design, dance in PE, and drama in English.We will also consult on an improved version of Progress 8 that balances a strong academic core with breadth.Next year, the National Centre for Arts and Music Education will support excellent teacher training in the arts, boost partnerships between schools and cultural organisations and promote arts opportunities.

What steps are being taken to raise awareness in schools of the potential impact of vapes on health.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The department has included a specific reference to the dangers of vaping in the amended relationships, sex and health education statutory guidance, which was published in July. This includes the facts about legal and illegal harmful substances and associated risks of vaping, the risks of illicit vapes containing drugs, and the facts about vaping, including the harms posed to young people.To support schools to deliver this content effectively, the department’s existing suite of teacher training modules includes one on drugs, alcohol and tobacco, which makes specific reference to e-cigarettes. In addition, Oak National Academy has developed materials across the updated curriculum.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the price of school uniforms.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The cost of school uniform, particularly of branded items, remains a key concern for parents. Parentkind recently found that more than a quarter of parents will go without heating or eating to be able to afford school uniform. Whilst uniforms play a valuable role in creating a sense of common identity among pupils and reducing visible inequalities, too many schools still require high numbers of branded uniform items despite statutory guidance stating branded items should be kept to a minimum.This is why the department has introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require, to bring down costs and remove barriers to accessing sport and other school activities. This will allow parents greater flexibility to make spending decisions that suit them. The department intends to introduce this limit from September 2026.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of reintroducing a milk strategy for schools.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only Milk is an excellent food for children’s growth and development. As part of the School Food Standards, lower fat milk or lactose reduced milk must be available to children who want it for drinking at least once a day during school hours. It is a legislative requirement that milk is provided free of charge to pupils who meet the free school milk criteria, and schools may charge all other pupils.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs leads the School Milk Scheme Strategy, which supports the provision of milk in schools. The strategy aims to support the consumption of dairy products by children from an early age to promote healthy eating habits and good nutritional health, and support efforts to tackle child obesity by part subsidising, or reimburse in full where relevant, the cost of a daily portion of dairy in line with national guidance. The Strategy also sets out who the support is targeted at and the eligible products that can be supported.

What steps she is taking to support SEND training for teachers.

The department is committed to providing training for teachers to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In the new year, we will publish a white paper to build a system where every child receives the support needed to achieve and thrive.The department has reviewed the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework. From September 2025 more content related to adaptive teaching and improving inclusivity for SEND pupils was added. The department also enhanced the requirement on providers to develop SEND training materials.Beyond the first few years of teaching, National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are available to education professionals at all levels. In 2024 we began delivery of the mandatory NPQ for Special Educational Needs (SEN) Co-ordinators. Participants will develop the knowledge and skills needed to set the strategic direction of SEN policy and the conditions for pupils with SEND to thrive.The department has committed to a full review of both NPQs and Early Career Teacher training, which will include a focus on SEND.The Universal Services programme helps the school and further education workforce to identify and meet the needs of children and young people with SEND earlier and more effectively.

What steps she is taking to encourage more young men into education.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The department recognises that participation statistics indicate females generally have lower not in employment, education or training (NEET) rates than males in most years.In the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, we set out a comprehensive NEET prevention package to reduce NEET numbers.Local authorities are required to offer all young people aged 16–19 support to encourage, enable or assist them to effectively participate in education or training.The government has introduced a new Youth Guarantee to ensure that every young person has a clear pathway into education, training, or work. We have allocated £45 million for Trailblazers in the 2025/26 financial year, with a further £45 million in 2026/27, to develop and test innovative ways to bring together local leadership and support.The department will support the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to go to university, regardless of their background and personal characteristics.

If she will ban the use of smart phones in schools.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. Phones have no place in our schools, and leaders already have the power to ban phones. The department’s guidance on mobile phones in schools, published in February 2024, is clear that schools should prohibit the use of devices with smart technology throughout the school day, including during lessons, transitions and breaks. ​The department expects all schools to take steps in line with this guidance to ensure mobile phones do not disrupt pupils’ learning. ​Research from the Children’s Commissioner, with responses from nearly all schools and colleges in England, shows that the overwhelming majority of schools, 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools, already have policies in place that limit or restrict the use of mobile phones during the school day.

What steps her Department plans to take to help ensure young people with special educational needs have transition support post-secondary school.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. Being supported towards greater independence and employability can be life-transforming for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). All professionals working with them should share high aspirations and have a good understanding of what support is effective in enabling children and young people to achieve their ambitions. As set out in the SEND Code of Practice, all SEND learners should be prepared for adulthood. This means being prepared in the following four areas:Continuing in education and/or employment.Independent living.Participating in society.Health.The SEND Code of Practice is available in full at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25. Local authorities must plan early for transition, review and update education, health and care plans to reflect post-16 aspirations, consult with providers, secure named provision and ensure impartial advice and support to promote continued participation in education or training.

What steps she is taking to uphold free speech in universities.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.This government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom in universities. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, confirmed to Parliament plans for the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 earlier this year. The new approach will create a more proportionate, balanced and less burdensome approach to protecting academic freedom and freedom of speech.​​The following provisions came into force from 1 August 2025:​​Strengthened higher education (HE) provider duties in relation to securing freedom of speech and promoting the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom.​​A requirement for HE providers to put in place effective codes of practice on academic freedom and freedom of speech.​​A ban of non-disclosure agreements in HE for staff and students where there is a complaint about bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct.​​ A requirement for the Office for Students to promote free speech and to provide advice and guidance in support of it.

What steps she is taking to encourage healthier eating in schools.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The department is committed to raising the healthiest generation ever. To ensure quality and nutrition in meals for the future, we are working with experts across the sector to revise the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with updated nutrition guidance.The Relationships and sex education and health education (RSHE) statutory guidance states that by the end of primary school, pupils should know what constitutes a healthy diet, the principles of planning and preparing a range of healthy meals, the characteristics of a poor diet, and the risks associated with unhealthy eating and other behaviours (e.g. the impact of alcohol on diet or health). The guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education.