For me the very heart of levelling up is ensuring we have a world class education system that empowers people within our borough. Because education brings opportunities and that’s exactly what I want to see for families within Burnley and Padiham.
Our schools have improved enormously since 2010 with the number of good and outstanding Ofsted ratings up, and pupil attainment on the increase. But I’m determined to push further forward, so that every child locally gets the very best start in life.
This week the Education Secretary announced several measures which are designed to do just that, focusing on giving pupils and parents the support they need to see potential reached and ambitions fulfilled – the core of what levelling up means.
On Monday there was the new Schools White Paper, the first in 6 years, which set out how we will be working to improve numeracy and literacy skills. Because as each child learns at a different pace it’s important that those pupils who need the extra support to get back on track with Maths and English have that support in place. Part of the solution will be the availability of small group tuition which I was pleased to see included, and ultimately ensuring parents are kept updated of their child’s progress throughout.
Since becoming the MP I’ve also seen just how difficult parents can find it to get the help and support their child needs where they have special educational needs or disabilities though, with the support that is available varying significantly. And whilst I’m able to help with individual cases when they’re brought to me, it’s clear that a more fundamental change is needed. That's why I was so pleased to see a new Green Paper launched, which is now open to consultation so that those who know the issue best can give their views and shape the future of SEND education.
Crucially, under the proposals extra funding is to be provided to improve and expand the number of places available, alongside alternative provision which would be focused on early intervention for young people whose behaviour or needs present a barrier to learning.
Whilst these changes are being consulted on I know they will be welcomed by families who have battled to get EHCPs, and by teachers who want to provide the best support but don’t always know who to turn to.
Combined these reforms are about a broader push to ensure we have the best educational provision locally and high performance within primary and secondary education.
