Norfolk teacher says "stability and coherence" must continue for education system
It's been exactly six months since the Labour Party won the 2024 UK General Election
A primary school teacher in Norfolk is telling us he's looking for stability and coherence in the education system- from the next six months of Sir Keir Starmer's Government.
It's been the same period of time since the General Election that saw the Labour leader win a majority of 174 MPs and enter 10 Downing Street. The biggest political landslide win since 1997.
"Could have really given them a quick win"
Scott Lyons also works for the National Education Union, in the county:
"Early commitments to re-invest in education and reverse years of under-funding has been really positive.
"They have also really acknowledged teacher shortages and workload issues, which for us is a really good first step.
"But there have been a few opportunities missed so far, especially when it comes to some immediate financial relief for those parts of the education that are really struggling".
"I'm primarily thinking of the SEND system (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), ring-fencing some investment there could have really given them a quick win".
Labour's record on education since taking office in July:
Early years:
-The Autumn Budget saw an extra £1.8billion being put into the early years for 2025 to 26, taking total spend in this area to over £8billion.
The Government say this investment means they continue the expanded roll out of funded childcare hours for parents of children from 9-months-old, up to 3- and 4-year-olds.
-Rachel Reeves also set aside £15million to begin delivery of 3,000 school-based nurseries.
The Department for Education say they expect 300 new or expanded nurseries to open by September.
Funding for Schools:
-This will rise by £2.3billion in 2025.
The Department for Education say £1 billion of this money will go towards supporting those with 'high needs', such as Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Pay awards for teachers:
-The Government say the remaining increase to the schools budget will continue to fully fund this summer’s 5.5% pay award for teachers, and help cover pay awards in 2025-26.
School and college buildings:
-An additional £1.4billion is being set aside for the School Rebuilding Programme.
The Department for Education say this means 100 rebuilding projects will start in 2025 and keep the Government on track to rebuild 518 schools in total.
Higher Education:
-The Budget saw an additional £300million be allocated to further education.
The Department for Education say they're taking steps to transform the Apprenticeship Levy into a more flexible 'Growth and Skills Levy', by investing £40million to help deliver new foundation and shorter apprenticeships in key sectors.
-University Tuition fees are increasing by 3.1% in England in the next academic year (2025-26)
This means the yearly maximum fee will be £9,535. While maintenance loans will be uplifted by at least £267 for students. Meaning the minimum a student can get is £8,877, a year.
Breakfast clubs:
-The Government has announced that they're increasing investment in breakfast clubs to over £30million
The Department for Education say this will help support parents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds
VAT on Private Schools:
-Tax breaks for private schools will end from 2025.
The Government says 20% VAT (Value Added Tax) will be added to education and boarding fees charged by private schools from January.
Private schools that are charities will lose charitable business rates relief – which provides an 80% discount on the rates they pay on their premises – from April
The Government say this tax is expected to raise £ 1.725billion a year. While average private school fees will rise by around 10%.