Speeches by Asato.

“Can the curriculum review currently realistically address any of this or do these things have to be addressed outside of a curriculum review process? I guess that was the question.”

“The Secretary of State has said that building a system where more children with special educational needs and disabilities can attend mainstream schools is central, but we have heard a number of times that the current curriculum is too rigid and inflexible to meet the needs of SEND children. Is this fair? What needs to…”

“I was asking whether we should be doing more in primary school to expose children to different types of employment and to challenge stereotypes. I just wondered whether you had seen any good programmes that did help maybe in some cases tear children away from parents, carers and locality and decide to take a different …”

“This is to Nick. Research by your organisation suggests that young people’s career aspirations at age 17 to 18 are similar to the aspirations of children age seven to eight. Are schools doing enough at primary school age to expose children to types of employment and challenge stereotypes?”

“I was asking whether we should be doing more in primary school to expose children to different types of employment and to challenge stereotypes. I just wondered whether you had seen any good programmes that did help maybe in some cases tear children away from parents, carers and locality and decide to take a different …”

“Following on from that issue, when Michael Gove introduced his curriculum reforms under the coalition Government, he said the core knowledge required in each subject would benefit the poorest students the most, but over the last two decades the attainment gap affecting disadvantaged children has remained unchanged. Why…”

“Can the curriculum review currently realistically address any of this or do these things have to be addressed outside of a curriculum review process? I guess that was the question.”

“We have heard a lot of discussion about the need for there to greater responsibility across local authorities and health. Do you think that it is appropriate that local authorities currently hold most of the accountability, and what changes would help to achieve a better distribution of responsibility?”

“What measures should the forthcoming 10-year health plan and NHS workforce plan include to ensure more effective and sustainable provision and support for children and young people with SEND?”

“It was about the balance of accountability and whether it is fair that local authorities currently hold it and whether it should be more equally spread.”

“We have heard a lot of discussion about the need for there to greater responsibility across local authorities and health. Do you think that it is appropriate that local authorities currently hold most of the accountability, and what changes would help to achieve a better distribution of responsibility?”

“What measures should the forthcoming 10-year health plan and NHS workforce plan include to ensure more effective and sustainable provision and support for children and young people with SEND?”

“It was about the balance of accountability and whether it is fair that local authorities currently hold it and whether it should be more equally spread.”

“For some post-16 students with special educational needs or disabilities, learning how to live independent, well-connected lives is as important as preparing for employment. What specific actions should the Government take to ensure post-16 education is inclusive and meets the needs of all learners and trainees? I will…”

“ We have very little time. I have one more question and then I am going to hand back to the Chair. What is your assessment of the Government’s targeted retention incentive payment scheme? Is this a problem because there are fewer opportunities to retain college teachers who are further into their careers? Can I co…”

“Many of you have obviously mentioned the issues of pay in relation to retention, and we know that 25% of college teachers leave the profession after one year compared with 15% of schoolteachers. Apart from the very important issue of pay, what are the other main reasons for this lower retention rate, and how can they b…”

“David, do you agree with the IFS’s assessment of £200 million needed or is it more in your estimation?”

“We hear that the IFS has estimated that the Government would need to allocate an additional £200 million annually in today’s prices in order to sustain 16 to 18 education funding in real terms by 2027-28. What are the likely consequences to the sector if this funding is not met?”

“ Revenue.”

“The Government announced £300 million in the autumn Budget. How will this money be allocated and what will the FE sector use it for?”