Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to his Department's press release Funding announced to train 900 new children’s social workers dated 8 January 2019, when the supplier information day was for the tender 142495-2018; and what the attendance at that event was.

Engagement events were held in London and Manchester in June last year, these events were attended by approximately 16 organisations.

Three bidders expressed an interest in submitting a tender; however, one bidder withdrew their interest prior to submitting an initial bid.

Following a robust and thorough commercial process Frontline were selected to run a fast-track programme that will see an additional 900 social workers join the profession by 2022.