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Empowering governors and trustees: 海角社区 at the Labour Party conference

海角社区's Michael Bartons highlights 海角社区鈥檚 pivotal influence and advocacy for school governance at this year's Labour Party Conference in Liverpool

Blog
27/09/2024

As one of the highlights of the political calendar, the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool provided a powerful platform for 海角社区 to elevate the voices of governors and trustees on the national stage. Emma Balchin, 海角社区's Chief Executive, attended and actively participated in meaningful fringe events, engaged with policymakers, and connected with key stakeholders. This was not just a formality but a crucial step in ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of those governing our schools are heard and understood at the highest levels, a feat we can all be proud of.

This year's conference brought several significant announcements, including the government's introduction of the early adopter scheme for breakfast clubs. This signalled a commitment to addressing educational disadvantage鈥攁 cause that aligns with 海角社区鈥檚 long-standing advocacy for some of our communities' most vulnerable members. 听

Recognising the impact early intervention can have on shaping a child鈥檚 future, we were encouraged by Labour鈥檚 plan for supporting the childcare expansion, which is already underway. It鈥檚 not just about policy; it鈥檚 about making sure that every child, no matter their background, gets an equitable start in life and the pivotal role governors and trustees play in the oversight of good-quality provision.

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  • "Recognising the impact early intervention can have on shaping a child’s future, we were encouraged by Labour’s plan for supporting the childcare expansion, which is already underway."

    Bridget Phillipson, the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, also echoed a long-held 海角社区 sentiment of the vital place support staff have within the education sector, particularly in assisting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With the introduction of the Level 5 specialist teaching assistant apprenticeship, which allows staff to focus on areas like curriculum provision, social and emotional welfare, or SEND, it鈥檚 clear that there鈥檚 growing recognition of this and their wider contributions to a school鈥檚 success

    Public sector reform was another key topic of discussion with the Prime Minister鈥檚 recent comments on the need for reform, sparking conversations about the future of the education sector. 海角社区 is preparing to release a report in the coming weeks, discussing our thoughts on the state of the sector and what could and should happen going forwards. 听As ever, our goal is to ensure that governors and trustees are equipped with the tools they need to navigate and drive sector reform and development, ensuring continuous improvement in a landscape that鈥檚 constantly evolving.

    海角社区鈥檚 presence at the Labour Party Conference is just one of the many ways 海角社区 ensures that the views of governors and trustees are not only heard but are at the forefront of national discussions. We鈥檙e proud to represent the thousands of individuals who volunteer their time to make a difference in schools across the country. Their insights, as gathered through our annual governance survey and everyday conversations with our members, are the foundation of our advocacy, helping to shape policies and decisions and influence decisions that will affect the future of education in England.

    Michael Barton
    Michael Barton

    Head of Advocacy and External Affairs

    Michael specialises in trust governance, co-ordinating 海角社区's work with multi-academy trusts and producing tailored resources. He also leads 海角社区's work in the West Midlands, working closely with the region's trusts and local authorities.

    View Michael's full profile

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