On Tuesday 27 June, we had a drop-in session for MPs – this event was sponsored by Rosie Duffield, MP. We had conversations with MPs from all parties, and it was pleasing to hear how passionate they were about schools in their own constituencies. Conversations varied in length, but we covered the following:
- Recruitment and retention – all were aware of the issues facing schools, and many quoted numbers of staff needed in their constituency schools. Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat MP and spokesperson on education said this was their number one priority. She and others were very frustrated that the DfE and Ministers were not doing more. We stressed how critical this was for schools.
- Ofsted – all are aware of the need to reform. Robin Walker, Chair of the Education Select Committee sent his Parliamentary Assistant, and we are submitting a response to the Select Committee’s call for evidence re inspections. We are also responding on the appointment of the next HMCI.
- School leadership – we stressed that the system was losing school leaders because of Ofsted, problems recruiting staff, budgets etc. Every MP recognised the importance of school leadership. Many talked about the skills and qualities of school leaders that they work with.
- Pay – they recognised that teachers and school leaders needed to be paid fairly but would not be drawn out on what that meant.
- SEND and special schools – lots of discussion – MPs are receiving lots of complaints regarding EHCPs, lack of CAHMs appointments, etc. Lib Dems want a trained mental health worker in every school.
- Curriculum – we did not get the opportunity to go into detail but did point out that the narrowing of the curriculum was having a negative impact on students’ engagement.
I got the overwhelming impression that MPs are as frustrated as we are that the Government and the DfE are not being proactive in trying to solve these problems.
We are following up the session by emailing the MPs individually and will be making more detailed comments.
We will do this again in the future but will probably make the session a one-issue focus. We are determined to fight for an education system that gives every child a bright future.
