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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 May 2025. It was answered by Catherine McKinnell (Labour) on Thursday, 15 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Science: Education

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that materials used in schools do not contain scientifically inaccurate or misleading claims.

Answer

Schools are subject to statutory duties regarding political impartiality under section 406 and 407 of the Equality Act 1996. This means schools must not promote partisan political views and should ensure that pupils are provided with a balanced treatment of political issues. In 2022 the department published comprehensive guidance to support schools to meet their duties on political impartiality: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools#using-external-agencies.

This includes sections on choosing resources and working with external organisations.

The department does not approve or monitor externally produced resources or track their distribution. We have also not met or corresponded with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and do not fund them.

If a parent is concerned about a school using politically partial, inaccurate or inappropriate resources, they should raise the matter with the school immediately and, if necessary, escalate it through the school’s publish complaints process: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
50472
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Education Science
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk