Brendan Clarke-Smith named minister for children and families
By Rachel Lawler
Brendan Clarke-Smith has replaced Will Quince as children and families minister at the Department for Education, taking on responsibilities for early years and childcare.
Writing on Twitter, Clarke-Smith commented: 鈥淓xcited to join [DfE] as children and families minister working alongside [James Cleverly, Will Quince, Andrea Jenkyns and Diana Barran]. Together we鈥檒l take forward ambitious plans to tackle the cost of childcare, support social workers and protect children across the country.鈥
Secretary of state for education
James Cleverly has also replaced Michelle Donelan as secretary of state for education, after the outgoing minister resigned less than 48 hours after accepting the role.
Donelan stepped into the role shortly after Nadhim Zahawi left the department, after being promoted to the role of Chancellor in a cabinet reshuffle started shortly before the Prime Minister resigned as leader of the Conservative party.
Her resignation came shortly after children and families minister Will Quince stepped down from his role on 6 July.
James Cleverly replaces Michelle Donelan
The following day, James Cleverly was named as the new secretary of state for education.
Writing on Twitter, he said: 鈥淚 am honoured and truly humbled to be asked to serve in Her Majesty鈥檚 Government as parliamentary under secretary of state at the department for education. As a former teacher and [Education Select Committee] member it is something I feel particularly passionate about.鈥
Will Quince returns to DfE
Also on 7 July, Will Quince announced that he would return to the DfE.
Writing on Twitter he said: 鈥淧ending the appointment of a new PM in the coming weeks, I have been asked and agreed to serve in HM government. I care passionately about the work of the Department for Education. At this crucial time for our country, I believe it is my duty to use my [DfE] experience to assist the new secretary of state [James Cleverly] to deliver on our vital work for our nation鈥檚 children.鈥
However, Will Quince is not returning to his role as children and families minister and has instead been named minister of state for school standards.
Challenging time for early years
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Alliance, commented: 鈥淲e welcome confirmation that Brendan Clarke-Smith is the new children and families minister with responsibility for early years.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no doubt that he joins at an extremely challenging time for the sector, as we continue to battle with the impact of the early years funding crisis, sustained recruitment and retention challenges and the ongoing debate over the proposed relaxation of ratios. As such, we look forward to working closely to with him to ensure that the views, needs and concerns of providers are represented.
鈥淎mid ongoing uncertainty regarding the future shape of the government, we hope that, whatever the outcome of current political debates, over the coming weeks and months we will see a much greater focus on the early years and on ensuring that the sector gets the support and the respect that it both needs and deserves.鈥