Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will publish the scientific advice on which he based his decision to remove the requirement for wearing face coverings in secondary schools from 17 May 2021; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Nick Gibb
From 17 May, the Department no longer recommended face coverings for pupils in classrooms or communal areas in schools, or for staff in classrooms. In Step 4 of the roadmap, face coverings were no longer advised for pupils, staff and visitors either in classrooms or in communal areas.
The Department worked closely with Public Health England (PHE) and the Cabinet Office to consider a range of evidence, balancing both health and educational considerations. This included the latest available education data, latest data analysis on case rates in secondary school age children and the broader COVID-19 epidemiological position, as well as stakeholder intelligence from schools and further education colleges on their experiences of wearing face coverings in classrooms and any perceived effect on teaching, education, and communication.
As COVID-19 becomes a virus that we learn to live with, there is now an imperative to reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education, particularly given that the direct clinical risks they face are extremely low and the wider success of the vaccine programme.
The reintroduction of face coverings for pupils, or staff, may be advised for a temporary period in response to particular localised outbreaks, including variants of concern. In all cases, any educational drawbacks should be balanced with the benefits of managing transmission.
The Department’s policy on face coverings and other control measures is kept under review and is informed by the latest scientific and medical advice from PHE.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information he received from Public Health England on the (a) aggregate number of covid-19 cases and (b) incidence and location of Coronavirus variant B.1.617.2 linked to schools before 10 May 2021 prior to the decision to remove the requirement for face coverings to be worn in schools.
Answered by Nick Gibb
Data on variants of concern is held by the Department of Health and Social Care, where Public Health England (PHE) leads on surveillance and outbreak management. Data on variants, including the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), was considered by the Government as part of meeting the four tests, in making the decision to proceed with Step 3 of the roadmap announced on 10 May.
PHE has published a technical briefing on COVID-19 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England, which is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/991343/Variants_of_Concern_VOC_Technical_Briefing_14.pdf. This sets out (page 36-45) data on the number of clusters or outbreaks associated with a range of settings, including education settings, covering the latest available data and the period prior to the decision and announcement on Step 3.
PHE also publishes the total number of cases of each variant in the UK as part of information on variants of COVID-19, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/new-sars-cov-2-variant. This includes total confirmed Delta variant cases and prevalence split by region, as part of PHE weekly technical briefings, covering the latest available data and previously the period prior to the decision and announcement on Step 3.
The Government’s decision that face coverings no longer need to be worn in classrooms by staff, pupils or students, or in corridors or communal areas by pupils and students, was made in line with Step 3 of the roadmap. When the policy on face coverings in classrooms was introduced, this was an appropriate precautionary temporary measure while rates of infection were high in the community. As the four tests for easing restrictions in Step 3 of the roadmap were met, it was an appropriate time to remove the recommendation. In all schools we continue to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible.
While this moves children towards a greater sense of normality, measures within the PHE-supported system of controls remain very important to reduce transmission in schools, for example, social distancing and regular hand washing. Regular rapid testing will also continue to help find and isolate asymptomatic cases when they do occur, and we continue to encourage everyone to play their part and test themselves twice each week.
The reintroduction of face coverings for pupils, students or staff may be advised for a temporary period in response to localised outbreaks, including variants of concern. In all cases, any educational drawbacks should be balanced with the benefits of managing transmission. The Local Action Committee structure (bronze/silver/gold) should be used in such circumstances to re-introduce the use of face coverings. Immediate outbreak response (at the level of individual settings or a cluster of settings) remains for local directors of public health to advise on.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what data he held on the (a) aggregate number of cases, (b) incidence and (c) location of the coronavirus variant B.1.617.2 linked to schools up to 10 May 2021 when the Government made the announcement to remove requirements for face coverings in schools.
Answered by Nick Gibb
Data on variants of concern is held by the Department of Health and Social Care, where Public Health England (PHE) leads on surveillance and outbreak management. Data on variants, including the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), was considered by the Government as part of meeting the four tests, in making the decision to proceed with Step 3 of the roadmap announced on 10 May.
PHE has published a technical briefing on COVID-19 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England, which is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/991343/Variants_of_Concern_VOC_Technical_Briefing_14.pdf. This sets out (page 36-45) data on the number of clusters or outbreaks associated with a range of settings, including education settings, covering the latest available data and the period prior to the decision and announcement on Step 3.
PHE also publishes the total number of cases of each variant in the UK as part of information on variants of COVID-19, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/new-sars-cov-2-variant. This includes total confirmed Delta variant cases and prevalence split by region, as part of PHE weekly technical briefings, covering the latest available data and previously the period prior to the decision and announcement on Step 3.
The Government’s decision that face coverings no longer need to be worn in classrooms by staff, pupils or students, or in corridors or communal areas by pupils and students, was made in line with Step 3 of the roadmap. When the policy on face coverings in classrooms was introduced, this was an appropriate precautionary temporary measure while rates of infection were high in the community. As the four tests for easing restrictions in Step 3 of the roadmap were met, it was an appropriate time to remove the recommendation. In all schools we continue to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible.
While this moves children towards a greater sense of normality, measures within the PHE-supported system of controls remain very important to reduce transmission in schools, for example, social distancing and regular hand washing. Regular rapid testing will also continue to help find and isolate asymptomatic cases when they do occur, and we continue to encourage everyone to play their part and test themselves twice each week.
The reintroduction of face coverings for pupils, students or staff may be advised for a temporary period in response to localised outbreaks, including variants of concern. In all cases, any educational drawbacks should be balanced with the benefits of managing transmission. The Local Action Committee structure (bronze/silver/gold) should be used in such circumstances to re-introduce the use of face coverings. Immediate outbreak response (at the level of individual settings or a cluster of settings) remains for local directors of public health to advise on.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the cost of building a new school on the former Greenwich university site at Avery Hill; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Nick Gibb
The Department worked closely with the Harris Federation and the London Borough of Greenwich to develop proposals for Harris Academy, Avery Hill. The Department submitted a planning application in June and is in consultation with the local community. The outcome of the planning application is expected in November.
The Department publishes capital costs for all free schools on GOV.UK once all works are completed and costs are finalised. These include acquisition and construction costs.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate has been made of the cost of relocating flood defences to enable a school to be built on the Bowring sports ground SE12; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
As is usual when developing proposals for a new free school, the department has undertaken various site surveys and consultations. This has informed the development of the design and provided an estimate of construction costs for the proposed new school. In this case, this includes investigating options and obtaining estimated costs to relocate part of the existing flood defences at the former Bowring Sports Ground.
At this stage, the estimated cost to relocate the existing flood defences is approximately £604,000. The proposals remain, however, subject to obtaining planning permission and the procurement of a building contractor. As such, this figure will be subject to further refinement as the plans are developed. When planning approval is achieved, the department will procure a contractor to construct the new school, and construction costs will be agreed at that time.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools in London have been damaged by fires since the 2009-10 academic year; and how many of those schools were fitted with sprinkler systems (a) prior to those fires occurring and (b) since those fires occurred; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Nick Gibb
The Government takes the safety of pupils and staff seriously. All schools have to follow strict fire safety regulations, including having a Fire Risk Assessment, designed to ensure that they are as safe as possible and well prepared in the event of a fire.
Where sprinklers are deemed necessary to keep pupils and staff safe, following an assessment of risk at the design stage, or to meet local planning requirements, they must be fitted. All new school building projects must comply with Building Regulations, including on fire safety, and this must be independently checked by Building Control or an Approved Inspector before buildings are occupied.
The Department does not collect data on the number of school fires. The Home Office publishes fire statistics on GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics. These are taken from data supplied by the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and includes information on educational establishments.
As not all new schools are commissioned by the Department, we do not hold data on the number of all new schools that have been built with or without sprinklers installed. We do hold information on the centrally funded Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP). Of the 32 schools rebuilt in phase one of the PSBP in London, two include sprinkler systems. We do not hold comprehensive data on the number of Free Schools fitted with sprinklers as schools developed under the Free Schools programme were originally managed by the individual free school proposer groups.
The Department does not liaise directly with the FRS, including the London Fire Brigade, in the design of new school buildings. The Department commissions the design and build of schools under its central programmes and the FRS may be consulted by Building Control officers or contractors on individual projects whenever necessary.
Alongside the rest of Government, the Department will take forward findings from the independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools in London have been (a) built and (b) refurbished through funding from the Education Funding Agency; how many of those schools have been fitted with sprinkler systems; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Nick Gibb
The Government takes the safety of pupils and staff seriously. All schools have to follow strict fire safety regulations, including having a Fire Risk Assessment, designed to ensure that they are as safe as possible and well prepared in the event of a fire.
Where sprinklers are deemed necessary to keep pupils and staff safe, following an assessment of risk at the design stage, or to meet local planning requirements, they must be fitted. All new school building projects must comply with Building Regulations, including on fire safety, and this must be independently checked by Building Control or an Approved Inspector before buildings are occupied.
The Department does not collect data on the number of school fires. The Home Office publishes fire statistics on GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics. These are taken from data supplied by the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and includes information on educational establishments.
As not all new schools are commissioned by the Department, we do not hold data on the number of all new schools that have been built with or without sprinklers installed. We do hold information on the centrally funded Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP). Of the 32 schools rebuilt in phase one of the PSBP in London, two include sprinkler systems. We do not hold comprehensive data on the number of Free Schools fitted with sprinklers as schools developed under the Free Schools programme were originally managed by the individual free school proposer groups.
The Department does not liaise directly with the FRS, including the London Fire Brigade, in the design of new school buildings. The Department commissions the design and build of schools under its central programmes and the FRS may be consulted by Building Control officers or contractors on individual projects whenever necessary.
Alongside the rest of Government, the Department will take forward findings from the independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what advice she has received from the London Fire Brigade on fitting sprinklers in schools which are being refurbished or newly built; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Nick Gibb
The Government takes the safety of pupils and staff seriously. All schools have to follow strict fire safety regulations, including having a Fire Risk Assessment, designed to ensure that they are as safe as possible and well prepared in the event of a fire.
Where sprinklers are deemed necessary to keep pupils and staff safe, following an assessment of risk at the design stage, or to meet local planning requirements, they must be fitted. All new school building projects must comply with Building Regulations, including on fire safety, and this must be independently checked by Building Control or an Approved Inspector before buildings are occupied.
The Department does not collect data on the number of school fires. The Home Office publishes fire statistics on GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics. These are taken from data supplied by the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and includes information on educational establishments.
As not all new schools are commissioned by the Department, we do not hold data on the number of all new schools that have been built with or without sprinklers installed. We do hold information on the centrally funded Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP). Of the 32 schools rebuilt in phase one of the PSBP in London, two include sprinkler systems. We do not hold comprehensive data on the number of Free Schools fitted with sprinklers as schools developed under the Free Schools programme were originally managed by the individual free school proposer groups.
The Department does not liaise directly with the FRS, including the London Fire Brigade, in the design of new school buildings. The Department commissions the design and build of schools under its central programmes and the FRS may be consulted by Building Control officers or contractors on individual projects whenever necessary.
Alongside the rest of Government, the Department will take forward findings from the independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2017 to Question 107527, whether the need to fund the relocation of flood protection earthworks at the Bowring sports ground SE12 resulted in the purchase of the site being judged novel, contentious or repercussive; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Robert Goodwill
Pursuant to the answer to PQ107527, the purchase of the site has not yet been completed; it remains subject to obtaining planning consent. The Red Book Valuation of the site was within the threshold agreed with HM Treasury, therefore approval was not required for the exchange of contracts for the former Bowring Sports Ground.
The department was aware of the site conditions at the point of exchanging contracts e.g. the site is designated Metropolitan Open Land and has Flood Zone 3 status. As is usual, the subsequent design development required for a planning application has considered those site conditions, including the proposal to relocate part of the flood defence wall. Design development is part of the usual process for developing proposals for free school projects. Prior to submitting the planning application, the department will assess the revised cost plan associated with those proposals. At this time, the proposals are not considered novel, contentious or repercussive.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many sites for free schools have been purchased by the Education and Skills Funding Agency since June 2010; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Nick Gibb
Since June 2010, the Education and Skills Funding Agency have purchased 748 sites for free schools. This figure includes both temporary and permanent sites.