North East MP pledges to take action on funding
A North East MP has pledged to take action on school issues including funding, special needs and mental health support.
Speaking to primary and secondary Heads at the Schools North East ‘Partner Lunch’, Dr Paul Williams MP addressed concerns over mental health support in schools, the cumulative impact of the additional unfunded responsibilities placed on teachers in recent years, the need to champion positive outcomes in schools, and the impact and associated issues surrounding the exclusion figures for Stockton.
Dr Williams, MP for Stockton South, spoke passionately about the need to hold the Government to account for exclusions, and revealed that he has previously spoken to Nick Gibb about the exclusion figures for Stockton.
Mike Parker, Director of Schools North East said: “We are delighted that Dr Williams MP took the time to meet local Head Teachers from Schools North East’s Partner Schools, and that he addressed some of the key issues that are affecting schools today.
“Funding, SEND provision and children’s mental health are just some of the areas where schools are crying out for more support, and it’s important that our region’s MPs understand the problems schools face and take an active role in addressing these issues.”
This event was the first in a new series of ‘Partner Lunches’ organised by Schools North East. The events bring together school leaders and their local elected representatives to discuss current issues impacting on schools.
Tim Wrigley, Partner at Wrigleys Solicitors LLP and Partner Lunch sponsor, also spoke about the role of Governors in schools and the disconnect there can be between the responsibility of the role and the perception, and the impact that can have on a school.
If you are interested in becoming a Partner School and want to know more, head to our website.