Relationship Education in Schools Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Relationship Education in Schools

Thelma Walker Excerpts
Tuesday 16th July 2019

(4 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Flockton Church of England Voluntary Controlled First School and Overthorpe C of E Academy were alike privileged to benefit from the headteachership of the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Thelma Walker), from whom I think it apposite that we should now hear.

Thelma Walker Portrait Thelma Walker (Colne Valley) (Lab)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am so impressed.

Thelma Walker Portrait Thelma Walker
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Top of the class there, Mr Speaker.

A few weeks ago, along with members of the National Association of Headteachers and my former colleagues, I signed the following pledge:

“I support education in all schools which promotes equality, enabling children to leave school prepared or life in modern Britain, understanding difference and respecting diversity.”

Does the Minister agree with the wording of the pledge, and does he agree that every parent and, indeed, every member of society should support it?

Nick Gibb Portrait Nick Gibb
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Yes, we do support that pledge, and, as I have said, we will support schools that decide to teach children to understand the importance of difference. That is a fundamental part of our statutory guidance, which was passed by this House.