More Curricular co-founder, Yvette Reinfor, was part of an audience with Robin Walker, the new Minister of State for Schools. Walker has been a member of parliament since 2010, previously the Minister of State for Northern Ireland before replacing Nick Gibb as the Minister of State for Schools in 2021.
Walker is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their potential and will be working hard to deliver the best possible education for all students. He has a background in business and finance, which may help him make decisions about education policy as he will be able to understand the financial implications of different policy choices. However, it is important to remember that education is about more than just money.
During the meeting, Walker spoke enthusiastically about the need to consult with educators and other experts to ensure that any policy decisions he makes are in the best interests of schools and students. He also promised to make schools a priority and put education at the heart of the government's agenda. But what does this mean in practice?
For one thing, it means more investment in schools. The government has already announced an extra £2.5 billion for schools over the next three years, and Walker said he wants to see schools receive a fair share of funding. The extra money will be used to improve school buildings, hire more teachers and support students' mental health and wellbeing.
But it's not just about money. Walker said he wants schools to be places where children can thrive academically and socially. He called for a greater focus on teacher training and development and teacher workload so that teachers have the skills they need to help every child reach their full potential. He also emphasised the importance of working with parents and carers so that schools can better support families.
So, what does all this mean for schools? It means more investment, more support and more attention from the government. Walker is clearly committed to making schools a priority, and that can only be good news for students. But the government must learn from their mistakes from the past too.
First and foremost, Walker needs to listen to what teachers and school leaders are saying. They are on the front line and know better than anyone the issues that need to be addressed. He also needs to consult with educational experts and hear their views on the best way forward for schools.
Secondly, he needs to set out a clear vision for schools and education. What does he want to achieve during his time as Schools Minister? What are his priorities? He needs to communicate these clearly to everyone involved in education, from teachers to parents.
Thirdly, he needs to work hard to build bridges between different stakeholders in education. There can sometimes be a disconnect between central government and those working in schools, so it's important that he works to bridge that gap. He also needs more targeted funds for schools so that they can provide the best possible education for their students.
Walker has a tough job ahead of him, but if he listens to those who know best and sets out a clear vision, he can make it a success.
Yvette Reinfor is the co-founder of More Curricular, a company are dedicated to supporting learning and success for all children, regardless of their abilities. We offer handwriting training and provide research-led assessment and learning tools that make a real difference in the lives of UK children. We are proud to be an award-winning company with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
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