Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that children at school learn local history in relation to their (a) county, (b) town and (c) village.

The reformed curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to be taught local history. The history programmes of study enable pupils to know and understand the history of Britain from its first settlers to the development of the institutions that help to define our national life today.

Although there is no specified requirement to teach about flags, heraldry or symbols, teachers have freedom to include aspects of historical interest relating to their local communities.

History is a foundation subject of the national curriculum and is statutory in local authority maintained schools at Key Stages 1 to 3 (up to age 14). Academies and free schools can choose to use the national curriculum as a benchmark.

In addition, Historic England’s Heritage Schools programme has been funded by the Department for Education since 2012. It supports schools across England, helping children to understand their local historic environment and its significance and to be proud of where they live, as well as providing training for teachers. The Government is investing £817,520 each year from 2016-20 for this programme.