Written Question·Department for Education·UIN 91834

School Day

Tabled: 17 November 2025
Answered: 25 November 2025

Question

James McMurdock

Independent — South Basildon and East Thurrock

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will include measures related to breaktime quality within (a) school wellbeing and (b) inspection frameworks.

Answer

Olivia Bailey

Breaktimes can be an important part of a pupil’s school experience, providing opportunities to rest, play and connect with peers.

While the department has no plans to introduce dedicated guidance or measures on breaktime, we have committed to work with partners to draw up and publish a good practice framework to help schools increase pupil engagement. This will include support for schools to effectively measure the factors which contribute to children attending, achieving and thriving at school, to inform evidence-based support inside and outside of school.