The Department’s current guidance on school uniform does place an extra emphasis on the need for schools to give the highest priority to cost consideration. No school uniform should be so expensive as to leave pupils or their families feeling unable to apply for or to attend a school of their choice due to the cost of the school uniform. If the hon. Lady has examples of schools that are not abiding by that guidance, I would be very grateful if she let me know.

Racism has no place in our schools and any incident is unacceptable. All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy which outlines measures to prevent all forms of bullying.

The Department issues guidance to schools on how to prevent and tackle bullying. This was last updated in July 2017 and outlines the Government’s approach to bullying, the legal obligations and powers schools have, and the principles which underpin the most effective anti-bullying strategies in schools. It provides information on sources of support, including tackling bullying based on race, religion and nationality. This guidance can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-tackling-bullying.

The Department has published a research report which details common strategies that schools have found to be effective in combating bullying, along with more detailed case studies showing practical measures taken by schools. The report is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/approaches-to-preventing-and-tackling-bullying.

In January 2016, the Department launched the website www.educateagainsthate.com, jointly with the Home Office, to provide schools with practical advice on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation. The website highlights the main routes to report a hate crime and includes our guidance to schools on promoting the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.

The Department’s guidance is directed towards schools rather than on local authorities, therefore guidance is only issued for schools.

Since BEIS officials raised this issue with the Commission we have seen a new draft of the regulation which now includes a technical exemption for stage lighting. Prior to voting at the Regulatory Committee, due to take place at the end of the year, we will carry out a cost benefit analysis for the UK, and will continue to consult on the draft regulation and listen to any concerns raised by interested parties.

It is for schools and local authorities (for children in alternative provision or with education, health and care plans) to decide what support will best meet the needs of pupils, taking account of their individual needs.

We have provided an additional £140 million in high needs funding in 2018-19 and will provide an additional £120 million in 2019-20. Previously underfunded local authorities will see increases in 2019-20 of up to 6% compared to what they planned to spend in 2017-18.

In Cheshire East, the local authority will receive £34.1 million in high needs funding in 2018-19, 2% more than in 2017-18. Figures for each local authority can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dedicated-schools-grant-dsg-2018-to-2019.

We are also monitoring the impact of our national funding formula for high needs on local authority spending decisions, and are keeping the overall amount of funding for high needs under review.

Racism has no place in our schools and any incident is unacceptable.

In July 2017 the Department updated its anti-bullying guidance. This guidance makes it clear that where a school thinks an incident might constitute an offence, they should seek assistance from the police. All schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy which sets expectations of behaviour and outlines measures to prevent all forms of bullying, including racist bullying. Schools have the freedom to develop their own anti-bullying strategies appropriate to their environment but are held to account by Ofsted. The anti-bullying guidance refers schools to sources of support on preventing and tackling bullying based on race, religion and nationality.

This guidance can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-tackling-bullying.

The Department funds and supports anti-bullying organisations that help schools prevent and tackle bullying. This includes the Free to Be project led by the Anne Frank Trust, which provides a structured approach for young people to discuss the importance of tackling prejudice, discrimination and bullying.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has not specifically discussed the proposed EU Ecodesign Directive with my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Officials from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy have discussed the issue with the EU as part of its consultation process and have subsequently made representations to the European Commission (EC). Industry representatives have also engaged with the EC and submitted a proposed exemption for their consideration. Since then, the EC has shared the most recent draft of the regulation which includes a technical exemption for stage lighting.

A final decision on the draft regulation is likely to be made towards the end of this year and is not expected to come into force until September 2020. The Government will continue to engage with industry, other Member States and the EC in the meantime. The Department will keep this under review to assess whether there will be any impact on schools in England and if any advice or further action is required.

Schools, and those responsible for maintaining school buildings, receive annual capital funding to invest in their buildings, including complying with relevant legislation. The Department already specifies energy efficient LED lighting for theatre lighting installations in new school buildings that are funded through its central capital programmes.

My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has not had discussions with my Rt hon. Friend, the Home Secretary about DBS checks for school volunteers, including governors. Department officials maintain regular contact with the Home Office and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and are involved in key discussions on policy development.

Statutory safeguarding guidance ‘Keeping children safe in education’, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2, explains the circumstances in which schools are required to obtain DBS checks for staff, governors and volunteers. Where a person moves between roles in schools or between schools, provided the ‘level’ of DBS check required for each role is identical, there is nothing to prevent a school from accepting previously issued certificates. It is for schools to decide whether to accept a previously issued DBS certificate.

DBS offer an online Update Service that reduces the need for individuals who subscribe to the service to apply for multiple checks to work with different organisations. Where the individual consents, a school can use the service to carry out a free online check to confirm if the information released on the DBS certificate is up-to-date. This helps shorten the time taken by employers to decide on suitability. DBS checks and subscription to the Update Service are free for those in unpaid roles.