Following Labour’s success in the 2024 general election, we felt a policy breakdown would be a useful tool for those engaged with changes to the education sector. From free breakfast clubs and Ofsted updates to proposed boosts to teacher numbers, the following blog will outline the various changes Labour have proposed.
More detail on their manifesto and proposed changes can be found here.
Changes for Students
Among the proposed policies is an emphasis on increasing mental health support within schools and communities. The need for additional support has been present throughout recent discourse, with Mind reporting the situation as a ‘crisis’, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional changes for students would see the creation of free breakfast clubs in every primary school, serving not just to provide all children with nutrition required to start the day, but to support parents as a form of childcare and support throughout the cost-of-living crisis. Support for early identification of needs and early language support have also been identified as part of Labour’s plan.
The Curriculum
Specifically relating to the curriculum, Labour called for an in-depth review of curriculum and assessment through their manifesto, as well as a greater focus on speaking and listening skills. The concern for this has been particularly driven by the pandemic, with 96% of surveyed primary schools expressing genuine fears for the development of pupils’ speech and language. The curriculum is expected to prioritise a strong core of literacy and numeracy, in addition to preparing children for their futures.
Preparation for Adulthood
In addition to proposing two weeks of work experience for all students, various elements of the curriculum are expected to gear towards preparing students for their next destination. This will include supporting the development of digital skills, as well as access to professional careers guidance in schools and colleges. These skills have not yet been identified; however they will be intertwined within the curriculum, according to Labour’s plan for education.
School Improvment and Reviewing Processes
Reviews of both schools and trusts are expected to see a shift, with Labour stating their interest in inspecting multi-academy trusts in addition to the schools within them. Ofsted review processes are also likely to change, with an end to single word judgements expected. Labour’s manifesto also included reference to improving schools with new regional teams, with the purpose of improving outcomes for children.
Teachers
One of the headlines of Labour’s education manifesto related to increasing teacher numbers. 6,500 more qualified teachers have been proposed, with the School Support Staff Negotiating Body set to be reinstated to support recruitment and retention. Labour proposed to provide a new national voice for school support staff, as well as a review of allocations of teacher training bursaries.
Additional Labour Education Policies
Further policies relating to education were outlined, including the highly discussed end for VAT exemption and business rates relief for private schools, expected to be reinvested into state schools. The current picture of SEND education in the UK is one of high need for affordable places to relieve the strain upon Local Authorities, yet at present independent (private) places are often the only option. In order to remedy this, stakeholders have begun to take action to take control to support commissioners and avoid extortionate rates. For more detail on independent SEND education and how this can support the healing of the sector, please see here.
3,000 nurseries are also expected to be opened according to Labour’s manifesto; we may also see changes revolving around higher education to secure future opportunities for students.
Finally, a promotion of inclusivity and sharing of expertise between special and mainstream schools will be pushed for, as well as proposed improvements to data sharing for early identification for children with SEND.
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