Written questions by Smith.

Whether the Food Standards Agency plans to conduct targeted testing of food products in areas with high concentrations of abandoned lead mines.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

Whether the Food Standards Agency plans to develop guidance for residents in areas with high environmental lead contamination on the safe consumption of locally produced food.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

When the Food Standards Agency plans to (a) complete and (b) publish its review of dietary lead as part of its risk analysis programme.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

What steps the Food Standards Agency is taking to work with local authorities in areas with high numbers of abandoned lead mines to help ensure adequate (a) monitoring and (b) public awareness of potential lead contamination in locally produced food.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

What steps his Department has taken to ensure that the scope of the Food Standards Agency’s review of dietary lead as part of its risk analysis programme covers areas with high concentrations of abandoned lead mines.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

What steps the Food Standards Agency is taking to make an assessment of the potential health risks to people living near old lead mine sites who consume (a) locally grown vegetables and (b) locally produced eggs.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of areas where exposure is likely to be higher.Previous reviews of lead have shown that while exposures are not a health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded. The FSA has started scoping this work, including considering what, if any, additional sampling may be required as well as identifying what information is already available to inform the assessment.Local authorities are responsible for inspecting contaminated land and addressing any issues arising from it under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.Public Health England, now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued advice about the use of potentially contaminated residential land for food. The UKHSA says that, to date, there is very limited data linking any health effects with land contamination in England. People should follow normal hygiene precautions and wash their hands thoroughly after working in the garden or an allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink. It is further advised that produce grown in the soil is washed and peeled, in order to remove any soil or dust.The outcome of our review will inform the need for additional guidance or other risk management measures, such as changes to permitted levels in different food categories.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Food Standards Agency and (b) Committee on Toxicity on the potential risks of lead contamination in the UK food chain.

Defra officials and Ministers have regular meetings with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) where a range of issues are discussed and I last met with Professor Susan Jebb on 5 September. Ministers have had no specific discussions on this with the Committee on Toxicity or the FSA.

For what reason has the Food Standards Agency not set an established threshold for lead content in eggs.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of food chain information sheets for allowing farmers rearing animals on land with high lead levels to (a) accurately declare this information and (b) dispose of appropriate offal.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of recent flooding on areas with historical levels of lead contamination.

The impact of flooding on areas of land with historical levels of lead contamination is a matter for local councils to consider under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Local councils have the duty to inspect their areas to identify contaminated land including land contaminated by lead. In the context of flooding, this would cover situations where lead is washed from rivers or sediments onto floodplains or existing lead contamination on land is impacted by flooding. The Environment Agency (EA) does have a role in tackling water pollution, including pollution from metals. Discharges from abandoned metal mines are one the main sources of metals in our rivers, polluting around 1,500kms (around 3% of English Rivers). In 2023, a target was set to reduce the length of rivers polluted by metals from abandoned metal mines by half by 2038. Lead is one of the 6 target metals. The EA are working with the Coal Authority under Defra’s Water and Abandoned Metal Mines (WAMM) Programme to identify and tackle the priority discharges. So far 140 tonnes of target metals have been prevented from entering rivers through diffuse interventions and treatment schemes, but a 10-fold increase will be required in the WAMM Programme to meet the statutory target by 2038.

Whether she plans to continue the reforms set out in the SEND and alternative provision improvement plan.

Too many families and schools are struggling to secure the provision and support they need to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and outcomes for children with SEND have suffered for far too long. This government’s ambition is to ensure that all children and young people with SEND or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to taking a community-wide approach, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools. We also want to ensure that special schools cater to those with the most complex needs. Whilst we recognise the urgency and need to drive improvements, we are conscious that there are no quick fixes and want to take a considered approach to deliver sustainable education reform.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the number of food samples tested for lead contamination per year by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

The levels of lead testing in the United Kingdom are determined in accordance with legislative requirements which provide food safety assurances to both domestic consumers as well as export markets. Sampling levels are reviewed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) each year to ensure that they are proportionate to livestock production; of note, the VMD has effectively tripled annual lead testing for sheep and bovine animals from 2024 to provide further guarantees on safety of these foodstuffs. The results of said testing are published by VMD on a quarterly basis and can be found on the VMD’s GOV.UK webpage here.

What guidance his Department issues to local authorities on conducting lead level tests on food products sold in local shops within areas known to have high levels of environmental lead contamination.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.

Whether he plans to maintain international standards on lead thresholds for foodstuffs.

Lead is a naturally occurring contaminant in the environment. Independent scientific expert groups advise that exposure to lead should be reduced as much as possible. Maximum levels are set on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ basis. Levels focus on foods that are significant contributors to our intake, and eggs are not significant contributors so there are no maximum levels in place. Where maximum levels are not set, enforcement action for commercially produced foods can be taken if there is a food safety concern. Consideration of setting maximum levels will also take into account levels set by international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) keeps contaminants, including lead in food, under review. Lead in the diet has been reviewed several times by the United Kingdom’s independent Scientific Advisory Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), including lead in the diet of infants and young children, and an ongoing review on the potential effects of lead on the maternal diet. Previous reviews have shown that while lead exposures are not of health concern for the majority of the population, a small risk to some individuals arising from exposure to high levels of lead in soil, dust, or in drinking water cannot be excluded.The FSA is planning to review dietary lead as part of its rolling programme of risk analysis of environmental contaminants in food. This will include consideration of hot spots where exposure is likely to be higher. Advice will be provided to ministers who will make the decision on any changes to maximum levels. The FSA has worked with farming groups and industry on advice to farmers on preventing lead contamination of livestock, which includes practical suggestions for areas of the country with high levels of lead in the soil.The Animal and Plant Health Agency undertakes investigations on farms for the FSA, where we are notified that farm food-producing animals may have been exposed to chemicals which could impact food safety. Advice is provided to the farmer as well as a reminder of their responsibilities to protect the food chain and comply with maximum levels.Food Chain Information (FCI) requires farmers to indicate the health status of their farm, that withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines have been complied with, as well as other information related to public health. Where relevant this may include information on where elevated levels of lead have been found. As a precautionary measure, some abattoir operators voluntarily dispose of certain offal, such as liver, from old animals, as these are likely to accumulate more residues. Food Business Operators (FBOs) and Official Vets (OVs) review the FCI before any animal is slaughtered. Where there are concerns with the information provided, action is taken by the FBO and monitored by the OV, based on the information provided in the FCI.The FSA uses evidence from national and international agencies, local enforcement authorities, the food manufacturing industry, food retailers, and the public, to help us respond rapidly to any problems in our food supply. Incident notification systems help us to alert consumers if food becomes contaminated. Lead is included in the national monitoring plan for products of animal origin and if non-compliance is found, appropriate action will be taken by local authorities. In addition, food businesses and local authorities complete risk-based checks to ensure the food we buy is safe.

What steps she is taking to make the teaching workforce more inclusive for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities.

The government is committed to making teaching a profession where all teachers, including those with disabilities, have equal opportunities to progress. This includes designing our world-class programmes such as the Early Career Framework and National Professional Qualifications to support teachers from diverse backgrounds. We expect schools, like all employers, to discharge their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and give due consideration to the way their employment practices affect staff at different stages of their careers.To this end, we are improving data collection on disability within the teaching profession to better understand their barriers to success. In 2023, the department published a report on barriers to collecting disability data and have since enhanced guidance for schools on the School Workforce Census and conducted additional research via the School and College Panel and the Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders Study.Additionally, the forthcoming Race Equality Act will require public services, including schools, to report data on staffing, pay, and outcomes by disability status, further promoting inclusivity. The department will support schools and multi-academy trusts to meet these requirements when they come into force.

What steps she is taking to help tackle financial pressures on local authorities resulting from SEND expenditure.

The department recognises that many local authorities are facing challenges in managing their high needs budgets, which has impacted their ability to balance their Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding. This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. We will work with the sector as essential and valued partners to deliver our shared mission and restore parents’ trust, including considering how we can help councils manage the impacts of DSG deficits on their finances.The department has taken action to help those authorities with deficits and will continue to do so. It has published guidance on good practice and provided help and advice through direct contact with all those authorities that have deficits. High needs deficit intervention programmes are designed to improve SEND services by making the very best use of resources to deliver the support that children and young people need. Where additional support is required in a local area, particularly following an Area SEND Inspection, the department commissions specialist SEND Advisors and Commissioners to support local authorities to build on existing strengths and address areas of weakness in local provision.The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has made regulations which ring-fence DSG deficits from councils’ wider financial positions in their statutory accounts. This is a temporary accounting measure, currently in operation to March 2026, and it is still crucial that local authorities’ high needs systems move to a more sustainable position in the near future.Budgets for the 2025/26 financial year will be set in the forthcoming Spending Review.

Whether she plans to (a) replace and (b) extend funding announced by the previous Government for 15 new special free schools.

This government is committed to making sure that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to achieve and thrive, which includes a place in a special school where needed.The window for trusts to apply to run these schools closed on 19 July 2024. The department will provide an update in due course.The upcoming Spending Review and October Budget will set funding for the 2025/26 financial year. All other future spending decisions will be for the next phase of the Spending Review, which is expected to set budgets for future years in the spring.

Communities, and Local Government, whether historical lead mining activities are considered when approving new housing targets.

The proposed methodology to calculate local housing need figures for each local authority, is set out in the ‘Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system’ consultation documents. These can be found at gov.uk.National planning policy makes clear that constraints on land availability, which could include risks arising from former activities such as mining, should be taken into account by local authorities when establishing a housing requirement for their area. Local authorities are expected to evidence and justify their approach through local plan consultation and examination.

What steps she is taking to ensure that Education, Health and Care Plan applications are processed promptly.

The department’s aim is to deliver better life chances for all, through a system which works for all.The department knows that some parents have struggled to get the right support for their children, particularly through a long and difficult education, health and care (EHC) plan process. We will work across the sector to provide support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those needing alternative provision, and their families. The department is committed to taking a community-wide approach, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools and alternative provision settings, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.The department wants to ensure that EHC plan applications are processed promptly and, where required, plans are issued as quickly as possible so that children and young people can access the support they need. The department has listened to a wide range of relevant stakeholders, such as children and young people, parents, schools, colleges and local authorities and their partners, and it is reflecting on what practice could be made consistent nationally.

What steps she is taking to improve (a) inclusivity and (b) expertise in mainstream schools for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. 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, in order to restore parents’ trust that their child will get the support they need.To take this forward, the department will publish evidence reviews to identify the most effective tools, strategies and approaches for teachers and other relevant staff in mainstream settings to identify and support children and young people with different types of needs.This government is committed to continuous improvement to transform the training and support for all new teachers, and to review the experiences and needs of early career teachers as well as trainees. The new Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) is due to be implemented from September 2025 and will underpin all Initial Teacher Training courses and statutory induction training for early career teachers across the country.The ITTECF contains additional content related to inclusion, adaptive teaching and supporting pupils with SEND. The inclusion content includes developing an understanding that teacher approaches to inclusion and SEND are a key determinant of pupil outcomes. The adaptive teaching content includes, for example, developing an understanding of different pupil needs, and learning how to provide opportunities for success for all pupils.The department will also work with Ofsted to ensure that schools are held accountable for their approach to inclusion, so that all children are given the high quality support they need to learn and thrive. The department is committed to improving the inspection system, moving away from the single headline grade to a richer system to assess school quality through a report card, giving a more rounded picture of how a school is performing and providing parents with greater clarity on the support a school has in place for children with SEND.