Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Theresa Villiers Excerpts
Monday 11th March 2024

(1 month, 2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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I absolutely and wholeheartedly agree with the hon. Lady on the central importance of that support and how vital it is to have it. There are, of course, many more EHCPs than there were statements under the old system, with more children receiving support. She will understand that I cannot comment on the individual case she mentions, but I will mention the special educational needs and disabilities and alternative provision improvement plan that we have in place.

Theresa Villiers Portrait Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)
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I welcome the substantial additional funding that has been given to maintained nursery schools in my constituency, but does the Minister agree that it is vital for us to continue to increase funding for all Barnet’s schools?

Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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As ever, my right hon. Friend is a great champion and advocate for Barnet’s schools and, indeed, for maintained nursery schools, which, as she says, play a unique role in our system in carrying out those particular functions.