This week in Parliament I hosted a roundtable with the Norfolk School Leaders’ Association (NSLA) and Norfolk MPs.
Schools have always played an important role in our community. Sadly, an increasingly common account I hear from teachers and education leaders is that schools are now on the frontline of a breakdown in our social fabric.
Teachers are often having to play the role of first responder and social worker, supporting families that are facing ever greater crises.
Representatives from NSLA joined us in Parliament and gave MPs from our region a frank message – that while everyone wants inclusive schools our education system is overwhelmed.
They also threw down the gauntlet, telling us saying that historic solutions are no good and that we have to be courageous about what we want schools.
As part of the roundtable, we discussed a wide range of issues from SEND reform to staff wellbeing, and capital investment.
I will continue to raise the voices of educators in Parliament, and advocate for Government policy being informed by those with direct experience of what is actually happening in our schools.