(Con): My Lords, schools are
called the fourth emergency service by the Association of
School and College Leaders They often help parents
with benefit applications and mental health support so that their
children will attend school. However, disrupted home
environments, as well as mental ill-health, drive persistent
absenteeism. Family hubs in Sefton, Salford, Kirklees and Bury St
Edmunds are lifting this burden, freeing schools to teach. Will
the new Government continue to support the growth of family
hubs?
The Minister of State, Department for Education ( of Malvern) (Lab): The noble
Lord is right, of course, that, for many children, schools are
the stable part of their lives, but teachers, although they
provide enormous levels of support along with other school staff,
need to be able to focus on teaching children. Family hubs indeed
play an important role in helping families to access vital
services to improve the health, education and well-being of
children and young people. We are already considering the overall
approach to early childhood and family support, and how it can
support this Government's opportunity mission. That includes
reviewing the future vision and intentions for family support,
including the core role played by family hubs.
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