Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Coaker Excerpts
Monday 19th December 2016

(7 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Justine Greening Portrait Justine Greening
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I think it has worked fantastically well so far. Over the last two years, we have seen 131 teachers from England visiting Shanghai and 127 teachers from Shanghai visiting English schools, and through that exchange our teachers have observed Shanghai teaching methods. In the 48 schools participating in the study, the teachers have implemented changes, which have led to increased enthusiasm for mathematics—hopefully as strong as my hon. Friend’s was at school—deeper engagement, increased confidence and, critically, higher attainment.

Lord Coaker Portrait Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab)
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One of the best ways to support teachers in improving educational outcomes, particularly for children with special needs, is through the pupil premium. Will the Secretary of State therefore explain why the level of the pupil premium has been frozen at current levels through this Parliament?

Justine Greening Portrait Justine Greening
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The pupil premium was introduced by the previous coalition Government and it is continuing to be supported throughout this Parliament precisely to make sure that funding gets to those children who need it most. Last week, I announced the national funding formula, which also prioritises resources going towards disadvantaged children.