Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether training on (a) race, (b) consent, and (c) safeguarding in relation to (i) children’s hair, (ii) Afro hair and (iii) bodily autonomy forms part of (A) early years and (B) teacher training requirements; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of a review of such training.

The department is committed to ensuring that all children receive a high-quality and inclusive education, supported by well-trained early years practitioners and teachers.

To achieve qualified teacher status and early years teacher status, trainees must meet relevant standards, including creating safe learning environments. All settings must also have due regard to ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, which includes guidance on safeguarding, welfare and bullying.

The ‘Early years foundation stage’ framework and the ‘Initial teacher training early career’ framework sets expectations for safeguarding, behaviour, and promoting pupils’ wellbeing. As part of this, providers are required to ensure trainees understand equality, inclusion, and safeguarding.

The department keeps training requirements under review to ensure they remain effective and evidence-based.