Search questions

• Reference: 2024/0161
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 18 January 2024

With registration now open for the largest Government expansion of childcare in history, with the majority of families eligible for 15 hours of free childcare for two-year-olds from April 2024, how will you promote this amongst Londoners?

• Reference: 2024/0162
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 18 January 2024

Given that uptake of Government funded childcare is lower in London than the national average, what steps are you taking to promote support with childcare across London?

• Reference: 2024/0163
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 18 January 2024

What steps are you taking to encourage uptake of swimming amongst children across London?

• Reference: 2024/0164
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 18 January 2024

What steps are you taking to encourage cycling and cycling safely amongst children across London?

• Reference: 2023/2786
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

The number of pupils in London with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or statement of SEN increased by 7.9% between 2020-20 and 2021-22. Given your previous work on SEN and post-16 SEND review, has there been any research as to why there has been such a large increase?

• Reference: 2023/2787
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Since the beginning of your Mayoralty there has been a drastic reduction in the number of under-19 apprenticeship starts, 19-24 completions and under-19s completions. Why are things getting worse?

• Reference: 2023/2791
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Lewisham Council has said that your Free School Meals scheme will have an additional cost of £600,000 which will have to be funded by the Borough. Will you increase the amount provided to London Boroughs to accommodate this shortfall?

• Reference: 2023/2792
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Bexley Council told Schools Week: “The Council does not have the funds to meet any additional costs associated with this initiative and this will need to be met by our schools.” How have you responded to Councils who find themselves in the same position as a result of your lack of proper planning for Universal Free School meals?

• Reference: 2023/2793
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

A spokesman for Sutton Council has said “As the funding is only for one year, commencing with a short timescale and the take-up is unknown, schools will need to manage with the equipment and sites they have and manage the situation accordingly.” Do you believe that there is an appropriate level of existing equipment and sites within schools to deliver your Free School Meals policy?

• Reference: 2023/2794
• Question by: Emma Best
• Meeting date: 20 July 2023

Kingston and Richmond Councils have said with regard to your Universal Free Schools Meals policy “logistics of mobilising the expansion in such a short period of time is causing concern, at a time when schools are already under significant pressure in terms of children’s needs and school finances”. What discussions have you or your officers had with Richmond and Kingston Councils on these issues?