Roundtable discussion with Head Teachers
This morning I went to a roundtable discussion with head teachers from across Ipswich, Partnership Board representatives and local practitioners. Was great to have a ministerial visit from Will Quince, Minister for Children and Families, who emphasised the importance of schools incorporating enrichment activities alongside academic focuses to improve all-round progress. I am particularly impressed with the success of ‘Thrive’, a SEND initiative which sees specialised well-being support provided to students – and am glad to hear this is being extended.
Ipswich is one of 12 areas nationally to receive extra funding as a targeted “opportunity area”, designed to unlock the potential of England’s young people – demonstrating the government’s commitment to levelling up our region and putting education at the heart of the agenda. While this dedicated funding was initially a 3 year commitment, I’m delighted at the recent news to extend the provision.
There is a collective responsibility for children in Ipswich, and I was reassured to see the commitment from around the table to prioritising education and ensuring the best outcomes in Ipswich schools.
Minister for Children and Families Visit
Delighted to show the Minister for Children and Families – which covers special needs – the fantastic new facilities at Copleston High School to support pupils in years 7-11 with learning disabilities. I’m pleased with the rapid progress on this new unit, a facility which has been made a reality by government investment. In our conversation today, Minister Will Quince articulated the government’s commitment to ensuring every child is able to fulfil their potential.
Following the disappointing Suffolk SEND review, making sure we turn around the local provision for children with special educational needs is a priority for me. Better provision in mainstream settings, alongside improved special schools, presents an essential combined approach to give every child with special educational needs the route which is best suited to them.
Meeting the new leadership team at Portman Road
Pleased to be able to meet with the new leadership team at Portman Road this afternoon. Chair Mike O’Leary and Chief Executive Mark Ashton.
A lot of ambition for the club and a determination to make sure it climbs the leagues. Clearly the Premier League needs to be the end goal.
I will be back at the ground tomorrow for the Shrewsbury game and hope Town can find the sort of form necessary to propel them up the table.
Was also pleased to hear about their ambitions to be top custodians of the club and to continue the great work of the Ipswich Town Community Trust across the Town.
Budget Announcement
Today I spoke in the House of Commons about Rishi Sunak’s budget announcement yesterday.
This Conservative government is saving money for those on the lowest incomes in an economically sustainable and credible way, through
– The uplift in national living wage
– The reduction in the Universal Credit taper
– The continued freeze of fuel duty
Unemployment is also much lower than expected. The furlough scheme, which was put together impressively rapidly, has prevented huge job losses.
– The initial prediction of 12% unemployment has been revised to 5.2%
I was pleased to have the opportunity to mention the Belstead Arms in the House of Commons yesterday. Steve has worked so hard, under such challenging conditions, and I’m pleased to see the beer tax cut – the biggest in 50 years – which will help his pub and others around Ipswich.
It’s a budget which demonstrates economic credibility – in contrast, Labour have made £400 billion worth of spending promises, and yet only accounted for £5 billion worth of revenue to fund it.
COVID winter plan
I was in the House of Commons Chamber this afternoon for the Health Secretary’s statement on the COVID winter plan. I’m pleased that the Government is determined to avoid any more lockdowns and associated restrictions.
Future COVID variants remain a threat, and today I asked a question about the work that is ongoing to enhance/tweak existing vaccines to make better combat the threat posed by different variants which may partially evade the existing vaccines. I was pleased that the Health Secretary confirmed that work is progressing and there is a chance that by the new year there could actually be new bi or multi vaccines. This would be a big step forward regarding our fight against COVID-19.
The vaccine booster programme will commence from next week. The JCVI have recommended that people who were vaccinated in phase 1 (priority groups 1-9) should be offered the booster vaccine. The Government has accepted this advice. The vaccine should not be offered to anyone earlier than 6 months after the completion of the primary vaccine course.
The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics show that 99% of COVID-19 deaths in the first half of the year were people who had not received both doses of the vaccine. More evidence that the vaccine works and is the reason why we appear to have successfully escaped the endless cycle of lockdowns.
Pleased also that there aren’t currently any plans to introduce COVID-Passports.
