• Reference: 2020/1232
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

Gavin Williamson CBE MP (Education Secretary) has also recently stated that school discipline will be the Government’s highest education priority and set out some severe and punitive measures such as silent corridors. Do you agree with me that, given London’s disproportionate rate of exclusions, a far more inclusive approach to school discipline is required?

• Reference: 2020/1231
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

The Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson CBE MP, has stated that he will prioritise Alternative Provision (AP) schools when assessing free school applications. There is no doubt that APs do essential work, but is increasing their numbers through free schools the right approach for London?

• Reference: 2020/1230
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

There are excellent examples of grassroots projects in London, such as the Black Ticket Project which provides free or discounted tickets to young black Londoners to attend a diverse range of plays and shows, including but not just the West End. Part of their mission is supporting these young people to feel confident and welcome in these spaces where they may not have been before. How do your projects reach out to young people who may not immediately think that this kind of thing is ‘for them’?

• Reference: 2020/1229
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

Wealthier families are often able to provide extra-curricular access to cultural experiences for their children, but with UNISON estimating that, between April 2010 and April 2016, £387m was cut from youth service spending across the UK, children from less well off backgrounds are increasingly unable to access the same opportunities. How will your Borough of Culture help to create opportunities for young people where they live?

• Reference: 2020/1228
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

Research, including last year from the House of Commons Digital, Culture Media and Sport Committee, has found that schools are being forced to cut their cultural and arts programmes. What discussions have you had with the Secretary of State for Education on this, and what are you doing from within City Hall to support London’s schools to continue this vital activity?

• Reference: 2020/1227
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

You know I have followed your work diversifying London Fashion Week and our fashion industry with great interest. How are you ensuring that these programmes reach BAME Londoners outside of the major fashion schools?

• Reference: 2020/1226
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

The Education Panel recommended as part of our work on exclusions that you should work to increase the proportion of BAME teachers and school leaders in London. What progress have you made?

• Reference: 2020/1225
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

The Adult Education Budget (AEB) has as two of its key aims supporting English for Speakers of Other Languages and support for disadvantaged learners. Although you have not yet made sweeping policy changes to the AEB, what initial work has been undertaken in this area?

• Reference: 2020/1224
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

How will your Budget increase education opportunities for young BAME Londoners, and widen participation in adult education and the jobs market for BAME graduates?

• Reference: 2020/1223
• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 19 March 2020

You will no doubt be aware of recent University and College Union strikes affecting a number of universities in London. Will you raise the issue of fair pay and conditions for staff in higher education with the Department for Education?