Today’s Education in the Media blog looks at the Education Secretary’s meeting with teaching unions as well as a new report on social mobility.
Unions Meeting
Yesterday, Thursday 29 August, the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson held his first meeting with representatives from the major teaching unions. This was covered by the Guardian and TES.
The Education Secretary and unions talked over a range of subjects including working together to ensure we can recruit and retain the best and most experienced teachers, how to support teachers in the vital work they do, and underlining his full backing for the workforce.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
It was clear from my meeting today there are no unions more committed to their cause than those that represent teachers and school leaders. It was an enjoyable and constructive meeting, and I’m looking forward to working with all our education unions on our shared goal of giving children and young people of all ages the best possible education and laying the foundations for success in whatever path they choose.
Social Mobility
Today, Friday 30 August, the All Party Parliamentary Group issued a press release on the topic of social mobility, saying that social mobility must be prioritised in the forthcoming spending review, especially through increased funding for further education and skills. This has been covered by TES and the Times.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
At the heart of social mobility is making sure that every child has access to a world-class education, regardless of their background or where they live. Standards in our schools across the country are rising and the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their more affluent peers has narrowed since 2011.
The Prime Minister has made clear that we will increase minimum levels of per pupil funding in primary and secondary schools and return education funding to previous levels. He has also made a clear commitment to support further education and skills, and the Education Secretary taking the lead for this vital work is a reflection of that commitment.
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