Education Policy

Edward Timpson Excerpts
Monday 18th October 2010

(13 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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We will be reforming the way in which money is available to those over the age of 16 to ensure that we can meet our shared goal of maximising participation.

Edward Timpson Portrait Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con)
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When it comes to levels of educational attainment, the Secretary of State will be aware that the worst performing group of children are looked-after children. I welcome the extension of the pupil premium to early years, but can the Secretary of State confirm today that that will extend also to all looked-after children and that careful consideration will be given to how the allocation of the pupil premium is taken into account for each of those children individually?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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I pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s commitment to helping children in care. Before he entered the House he worked enormously hard as a family lawyer on behalf of those children and they have been consistently championed by him in this place. I confirm that it is within the scope of the consultation to extend the pupil premium to all looked-after children. He is absolutely right that their fate is a reproach to our conscience and that we must ensure that they get the resources and support that they need to fulfil their potential.