Today at Education Questions, I highlighted the support needs of children with a parent in prison – which is around 312,000 children each year. Sadly, in many cases, support is provided to the offender, but their families are left behind.

Being left without the right help can have disastrous consequences for children’s mental health, wellbeing and behaviour at school – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Charities like Children Heard and Seen are leading the way in providing services that help children come to terms with having a parent or carer in prison, and parenting support for relatives who are left picking up the pieces in the wake of an arrest.

I am pleased that the Minister for Children and Families is happy to meet with me and Children Heard and Seen, to discuss how support for these families can be formalised, and how we can make sure children with a parent in prison can thrive.

Watch here.