Early Years Education

Lord Evans of Rainow Excerpts

Wednesday 14th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

One of the interesting developments with the Best Start family hubs is that local councils are being tasked with having dedicated SEND practitioners in each of them. Dyscalculia comes under the umbrella of those conditions, and I know that its profile is being raised and better understood, not least because of the noble Baroness’s efforts. As with anything else, the earlier it is picked up, the better.

[Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)]

My Lords, a Labour MP’s visit to a school in his constituency in Bristol was cancelled by members of the National Education Union purely because he is Jewish. What message does that send about the long-term outcomes for our children?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am not apprised of the actual details. Obviously, this is something that has been picked up and will be looked at very seriously going forward.