To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what his Department's policy is on holding departmental away days outside his Department's buildings. (262025)

The Department believes that away days can be beneficial and necessary for staff development, team building and planning to help deliver the Children's Plan.

The organisation of away days outside the Department's buildings will be based on sound planning and, where accommodation costs and other charges are involved, our policies on appropriateness and value for money.