£18m extension to Opportunity Area programme
Very pleased that the Government have announced that Ipswich schools will continue to benefit from being in an education opportunity area. I know from discussions with teachers in Ipswich that the extra funding has made a real difference.
My Visit to Suffolk New College
I visited Suffolk New College this morning to meet the leadership team. Couldn’t be more supportive of what they’re doing. Got a very ambitious agenda to expand the number of apprentices and are there is also a clear focus on the skills needs of the Greater Ipswich area.
Tom Hunt welcomes new SEND policy in Suffolk
Today (22/01/2019) plans were unveiled to pump £45.1 million into creating hundreds of special educational needs places in Suffolk in a bid to meet soaring demand.
In total 826 extra specialist education places will be created. There will be 3 new specialist schools and 36 specialist units attached to existing schools.
Responding to the news, Tom Hunt said:
“This is great news. I know from the visits to schools I’ve across Ipswich over recent months how important an issue this is and its very good news that despite the pressures the County Council budget is under they’re able to make this investment.”
“I know that Cllr Chris Chambers, who is Ipswich based and is Deputy Cabinet Member for Education at the County Council will fight to ensure that a good proportion of the money allocated for the whole of Suffolk will be spent in Ipswich where the need is significant.”