Written questions by Snowden.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2025 to Question 66726 on Childcare: Eligibility, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of changing the eligibility criteria to take account of the unpaid nature of student nursing.

It is our ambition that all families have access to high-quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change.Students who work in addition to their studies and earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage (this is equivalent to £195 per week/£10,158 per year in 2025/2026), and under £100,000 adjusted net income per year, may be eligible for this offer. If they are unable to meet this threshold, they will remain eligible for the universal 15 hours of free early education, which is available to all 3 and 4-year-olds, regardless of family circumstances.The government recognises the value of parents continuing in education and provides a range of support for students in further or higher education to support them with childcare. Support available to full-time students with dependent children includes the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance. Entitlement to these grants is based on a student’s household income. Healthcare students may also be entitled to the NHS Learning Support Fund.Further information on the childcare offers available to parents can be found at: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/.

If she will set out the level of childcare support his Department provides for (a) student nurses and (b) other essential vocational trainees; and what plans she has to increase that level of support.

It is our ambition that all families have access to high-quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change.Students who work in addition to their studies and earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage (this is equivalent to £195 per week/£10,158 per year in 2025/2026), and under £100,000 adjusted net income per year, may be eligible for this offer. If they are unable to meet this threshold, they will remain eligible for the universal 15 hours of free early education, which is available to all 3 and 4-year-olds, regardless of family circumstances.The government recognises the value of parents continuing in education and provides a range of support for students in further or higher education to support them with childcare. Support available to full-time students with dependent children includes the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance. Entitlement to these grants is based on a student’s household income. Healthcare students may also be entitled to the NHS Learning Support Fund.Further information on the childcare offers available to parents can be found at: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/.

If she will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential merits of including the housing market in the national curriculum.

The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review wants to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. The Review is considering whether there is sufficient coverage of knowledge and skills that are essential to sufficiently prepare children and young people for future life and to thrive in a fast-changing world.The Review will not be able to address every issue facing the curriculum and assessment system. It therefore seeks to identify and focus on addressing the most significant and pressing issues facing curriculum and assessment without destabilising the system.The Review Group published its Interim Report in March 2025, which can be accessed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6821d69eced319d02c9060e3/Curriculum_and_Assessment_Review_interim_report.pdf.Recommendations will be included in the final report, which will be published in autumn. The department will work with other government departments where implementation of the Review’s recommendations require a cross-government approach.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the consumption of high caffeine energy drinks on (a) schools and (b) educational outcomes.

The government has committed to raising the healthiest generation of children ever to provide them with a better and more prosperous future. That is why the government’s manifesto committed to a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 in England, and we are consulting on bringing this into effect. We know they can have a detrimental impact on educational outcomes by lowering educational wellbeing and negatively impacting school attendance and academic achievement.Energy drinks are not permitted within the school food standards. School governing boards are responsible for setting their school food policies, including on food and drinks brought in from home. We encourage schools to have a whole-school approach to healthy eating, and some schools already ban energy drinks brought in from home.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international student fees on local (a) economies and (b) employment.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international student fees on average revenue of universities.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

Whether her Department plans to ringfence revenue generated from any proposed levy on international student fees for reinvestment into the skills system.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on (a) the proposed international student fee levy and (b) its potential implications for (i) education, (ii) research, (iii) skills and (iv) regional economies.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What discussions she has had with the higher education sector on the potential economic impact of a levy on international student fees.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international students on the UK’s attractiveness as an international education destination.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the number of young people taking up carpentry and joinery apprenticeships.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity.The rate of young people’s apprenticeship starts has fallen over the last decade and we want to re-balance the programme towards young people beginning their careers.As a first step, the department has introduced new foundation apprenticeships, an employment-based training offer that gives young people a route into careers in critical sectors, enabling them to earn a wage while developing vital skills.The first seven foundation apprenticeships became available in August 2025, including a foundation apprenticeship in onsite trades which supports the development of onsite construction skills, including carpentry and joinery.These foundation apprenticeships will be underpinned by an employer incentive payment of up to £2,000 to contribute to the extra costs of supporting someone at the beginning of their career. This is in addition to the existing employer and provider payments for taking on younger apprentices.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of a proposed international student fee levy on the ability of universities to support the NHS 10 Year Plan through health-related education and training.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed levy on international student fees on the financial sustainability of UK universities.

The immigration white paper sets out a series of measures that will achieve a reduction in net migration, while maintaining the UK’s globally competitive offer to international students and making a significant contribution to growth by boosting our skills base.This includes the commitment to explore the introduction of a levy on higher education (HE) provider income from international students, with proceeds to be reinvested in the domestic HE and skills system. We will set out more details around the levy in the Autumn Budget.HE providers are independent from government and, as such, are responsible for making financial decisions that support their long-term sustainability.The government will set out its plans for HE reform soon, as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the (a) condition and (b) efficiency of radiator-based heating systems in schools.

Responsible bodies (the relevant local authority, academy trust or voluntary-aided body) are responsible for the condition and efficiency of heating systems in their schools.The department assesses the condition of the school estate through its Condition Data Collection (CDC) programme, which includes an assessment of the condition of heating systems. This is shared with responsible bodies and schools. This programme does not include an assessment of the efficiency of radiator-based heating systems. Further information on the current Condition Data Collection 2 (CDC2) programme and a report of the key findings of Condition Data Collection 1 (CDC1), can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/condition-data-collection-2-cdc2-programme#access-cdc2-reports. The full school-level data from CDC1 can be found here: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2285521/details.The department also publishes non-statutory guidance on heating system selection as well as life cycle and maintenance in Building Bulletin 101: Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-bulletin-101-ventilation-for-school-buildings.

What guidance her Department has issued to schools and educational settings on responding to terrorist attack threats.

This government is committed to ensuring that children, young people, and adult learners are safe from terrorist incidents and attacks.The department publishes comprehensive counter-terrorism guidance for those working in education settings. This is part of a series of resources that have been developed in collaboration with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and sector partners. The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-security-and-preparedness-for-education-settings.The guidance is aimed at all those working in settings who have responsibilities for emergency responses, site security, communication and leadership. It is also for all those working across education settings, including non-teaching staff, who have responsibility for keeping learners safe and to help develop good preparedness and response plans.The guidance provides detailed advice on emergency planning, embedding a security culture in the setting, response options, working with local partners, and case studies.

What mental health support is available to young people after receiving exam results.

There are a range of support options available to young people after receiving their exam results, including advice from their school or college in the first instance.Students can also get exam results advice through the National Careers Service, or speak to a professional adviser on next steps and the range of alternative options available.YoungMinds have a range of resources available to support young people’s mental health around the results period, including a parent helpline and dedicated guidance for students who may feel disappointed with their exam results. There is also a list of further mental health resources for young people, parents and carers, and education staff in Ofqual’s student guide for 2025, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofqual-student-guide-to-exams-and-assessments-in-2025.

Whether she plans to amend the National Curriculum to include lessons on (a) sustainability and (b) ethical consumerism in relation to fast fashion.

The curriculum already includes themes relating to sustainability, giving schools the flexibility to include teaching about these topics if they wish.The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, chaired by Becky Francis CBE. The Review aims to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. The Review Group published its Interim Report in March 2025, which is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6821d69eced319d02c9060e3/Curriculum_and_Assessment_Review_interim_report.pdf. The Group will publish its final report with recommendations this autumn.​

What data her Department holds on the number and proportion of children and young people who were referred to Prevent who had Education, Health and Care Plans in the 2023-24 academic year.

The information requested is not held centrally. The department does not hold data on the number and proportion of children and young people who were referred to Prevent who had education, health and care plans.Annual Prevent statistics are published by the Home Office each year and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/individuals-referred-to-prevent-to-march-2024. The latest statistics show the number of individuals referred to and supported through the Prevent programme from April 2023 to March 2024, their demography, and associated characteristics.

If her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of including the role of agricultural workers in wartime Britain as part of the national curriculum on WWII history.

The national curriculum provides a broad framework within which schools have the flexibility to develop the content of their own curricula. The role of agricultural workers in wartime Britain can already be taught within the history curriculum.The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment review, chaired by Becky Francis CBE. The Review aims to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. The Review Group published its Interim Report in March 2025, here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6821d69eced319d02c9060e3/Curriculum_and_Assessment_Review_interim_report.pdf. The group will publish its final report with recommendations this autumn.

Whether she is taking steps to ensure the Highway Code is taught in schools.

The revised relationships, sex and health education guidance was published on 15 July and includes a new personal safety section. Curriculum content includes how to identify risk and manage personal safety in increasingly independent situations, including around roads, railways, including level crossings, and water.The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, chaired by Becky Francis CBE.The Review aims to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. The Review Group published its Interim Report in March 2025 here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6821d69eced319d02c9060e3/Curriculum_and_Assessment_Review_interim_report.pdf.The group will publish its final report with recommendations this autumn.​