Families across the country are feeling the pressure of rising costs. From making sure children have access to nutritious meals to helping with the cost of school essentials, here are five things that we are doing to pull over half a million children out of poverty.
Apprenticeships funding in England has risen to over £2.5 billion in 2019-2020, double what was spent in 2010-2011 in cash terms. This investment has helped drive up the quality of apprenticeships on offer so they are now longer, with more off-the-job training and have a proper assessment at the end.
The department continue to ensure our world class universities have the necessary support to continue with important research and teaching, recognising the important contribution of universities to research, innovation and working with business.
All new school buildings must be signed-off by an inspector to certify that they meet the requirements of building regulations and where sprinklers are considered necessary, they must be installed.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education are vital to ensure children grow up healthy, happy and safe. Every school will have the support they need to deliver these subjects to a high standard.
We are confident provision for schools will be protected in the event of the UK having to leave the EU without an agreement and there are robust contingency plans in place to ensure schools are prepared in all eventualities.
The Prime Minister has made clear that we will increase minimum levels of per pupil funding in primary and secondary schools and return education funding to previous levels.
We have established a new national programme, backed by up to £2m funding, to help local areas protect young people from being taken advantage of by criminals or ‘county lines’ gangs.
There are more people in work than ever before and wages continue to outstrip inflation, but we recognise that some families need more support. That’s why we’re investing £9 million in free summer holiday clubs and continuing to spend £95 billion a year on working age welfare to support families.
There is currently more money going into schools than ever before and the Government has acted to tackle disadvantage by providing schools with an extra £2.4 billion this year through the Pupil Premium.
As the Prime Minister has said, further education and skills will be a priority for this government - and the Education Secretary taking the lead for this vital work is a reflection of that commitment.