Mike Reader Column: Diary of an MP - Schools, SEND and the future of education
Education has always been at the top of my agenda as Northampton South’s MP, and especially ensuring that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities receive the support, dignity and opportunity they deserve. It’s a commitment I made during the election and one I’ve taken with me into Parliament and back into every school I visit.
In this fortnight’s column, I wanted to highlight just some of the education-focused engagements I’ve undertaken recently, from school visits and university partnerships to specialist SEND support for local families.
I was pleased to visit three very different schools to speak to pupils and staff about their challenges and ambitions. At the North West London Jewish Day School and at St Andrew’s CEVA School and Eastfield Academy, meeting eco teams, student leader in Northampton, I saw a strong faith-based environment that brings high academic standards together with values of mutual respect and inclusion. I also had the opportunity to meet the award winning Eco Team at Eastfield Academy to hear first-hand the passion young students have for their environment. In each case, the conversation turned to one thing: how we support schools so they can deliver excellent outcomes and prepare pupils for a fast-moving world.
Last Tuesday I was in Parliament when my office welcomed pupils from East Hunsbury Primary School, recently named Britain’s Kindest School. Seeing them cycle around the corridors, ask questions and engage with the political process was a reminder that building active citizens begins in our primary schools. I was proud to host them and hear their voices.
Back home, I chaired the launch of FutureSkills Northamptonshire, a new partnership between the University of Northampton, Northampton College and Moulton College aimed at aligning education routes with employer needs in sectors such as construction, energy and logistics. This strategy will create clear pathways from school to college to university and into good jobs in our region. That matters if Northampton South is to lead rather than follow in the national growth story.
On the SEND front, I held a half-day specialist constituency surgery alongside my SEND caseworker, Rob Martin, where we met with many families and listened to their challenges. Since launching our SEND Hotline last May, we have provided a single point of contact for parents and carers across the constituency. The commitment to children with additional needs is not optional, it’s fundamental.
As well as providing support, I always want to celebrate the amazing educational successes in our town. I was fortunate to join one of the University of Northampton’s graduation ceremonies earlier this month and see the phenomenal achievements of students across our community.
And whilst I can’t make this year’s event, I’m very much looking forward to seeing the winners announced at this week’s Northamptonshire Education Awards, which look set to be an amazing night. To that end, I want to thank the organisers, All Things Business, who I’m proud to name as my Business Success of the Fortnight award winner.
If you live in Northampton South and want to book a school visit, access the SEND Hotline or share ideas for improving education locally, please get in touch with my office at [email protected] or call 01604 969 523.