Schools’ Choice recently attended the Secretary of State for Education live event July 16 2024. We have listened to Bridget Phillipson, the new Secretary of State for Education, to hear what her priorities are as she starts in her role.
Topics included:
- Transparency regarding the challenges ahead “Toughest fiscal inheritance since the end of the war”.
- She recognised that there would be difficult decisions and that there would be disagreement over some issues, however her aim on taking up her position is to reset the relationship with the sector.
- Cannot confirm pay award this week but trying to act quickly. She would be writing to confirm this tomorrow.
- Background should not be a barrier to opportunity – tackling child poverty is crucial. She recognised that the impact of this cannot be solved by schools alone, although they are in the frontline. Government will roll out universal free breakfast clubs – this will also support attendance. There was evidence to show this would also provide more opportunities for employment for parents.
- SEND provision in mainstream schools – sharper focus on early intervention. She has already restructured the DfE to improve the focus. She aims to consult and listen to make sustainable change acknowledging there is no quick fix.
- Ofsted – move to report card system rather than one word judgement along with annual safeguarding checks. Implementation of Regional School improvement teams but no further details on how this would integrate with LAs or Ofsted. She underlined the importance of an accountability system which would ensure standards continue to improve.
- Recruitment and retention – she recognised that pay is part of the picture but that working conditions also have an impact on retention.
- Underfunding of post 16 education recognised.
- Reform of apprenticeship levy – more focus on local needs. Importance of developing skills for growth.
- MATs to be held accountable under a framework via Ofsted. There would be a focus on high quality education across all school types and structures, irrespective of “the name above the door”.
- Curriculum and assessment review – focus on standards along with breadth. She wants to build on expertise already in the sector and what works already. She said the curriculum needed to keep pace with the change in our times.
- Multi-year settlements for local authorities are intended as a joined-up approach by government departments – child social care being a priority area.
