At the Labour conference last week, the government committed to putting education front and centre.

After fourteen years of neglect with crumbling schools, cold classrooms and low morale, the government is turning the page to put children first and break down barriers of opportunity for young people.

The government has already scrapped one-word Ofsted judgements to give parents a better understanding of a school’s strengths and weaknesses, launched a Curriculum Review to make sure that kids get a broader education, and marked a new era for attendance.

Starting next month, the government will put their shoulder to the wheel and deliver 3000 nurseries by upgrading spare spaces in primary schools, with increased funding for up to 300 new or expanded nurseries in the first round.

The government will make sure that children are in school, by making sure free breakfast clubs are there in all primary schools for those that need it. By the next summer term, 750 primary schools will already have been invited to join the scheme, helping to address the cost of living crisis by providing school uniforms too.

As for young people, the government is breaking down barriers for opportunity for young people by introducing Skills England which will work together with key partners to make apprenticeship training more accessible. 

Employers will also benefit from a brand new growth and skills levy, which will allow funding for shorter apprenticeships, giving learners and employers more flexibility in their training than under existing system where courses must run for a minimum of 12 months. 

And this week, we had the fantastic news that the National Education Union accepted a pay offer for teachers put forward by this government. 

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“Children and young people have faced a lose-lose situation in their education for the last fourteen years. 

“In the last few years, young people have faced setbacks including cold, overcrowded classrooms, crumbling buildings, and even more cuts to schools. In my constituency alone, one school was forced to suffer with RAAC for years and only as a result of the Council’s support were they able to remove it and make it safe for students and staff.

“It’s time to turn the page and make sure that children and young people are finally at the forefront of national life and to give them the best start in life.

“From speaking to families across the area, I know just how much of a financial challenge some parents experience. I am pleased that the government has launched a child poverty taskforce and will be introducing breakfast clubs in every primary school.

“Apprenticeships fell under the last government and young people suffered as a result, we will make sure that the skilled talent from Sheffield are able to get onto apprenticeships and succeed.”