I visited Kings Heath Boys School last week which has just had a fine Ofsted report reflecting real progress achieved under four years of the current Head’s leadership. It’s only by providing good schools that we can equip our children and grandchildren for the future. There’s always been a link between poor areas and schoolContinue reading Time To Put Children First
Shadow Education Secretary Bridget sets out mantra
It’s hard to imagine now that the mantra of Tony Blair’s government was once, ‘Education, Education, Education’. A recent survey reveals that two thirds of schools in England are facing budget deficits which will lead to staff cuts and reductions in other services, including mental health support. Too many of our children aren’t getting theContinue reading Shadow Education Secretary Bridget sets out mantra
Report Back with the Constituency – October 2022
It was fantastic to see almost 100 people at our Report Back on Thursday. It is clear that people are fed up with the latest crisis engulfing this Tory Government. With the new Chancellor promising Austerity 2.0, there was plenty for us to talk about. I also want to thank those of you who responded toContinue reading Report Back with the Constituency – October 2022
Birmingham MP brands Queen’s Speech a ‘Missed Opportunity’
The Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak – Steve McCabe MP – critiqued the Government’s forthcoming legislative agenda for failing to address the key issues affecting the West Midlands. Speaking in last Monday’s Queen’s Speech debate in the House of Commons, the Birmingham MP highlighted the absence of a number of key topics from the programme including the lack of a plan toContinue reading Birmingham MP brands Queen’s Speech a ‘Missed Opportunity’
Plans don’t make grade
There were high expectations for the recent Education White Papers, but it’s been a bit of a damp squib. Many hoped the current Secretary of State could set a clear course for the future unlike his predecessor, the recently knighted Gavin Williamson of the algorithm and exams fiasco. The main ambition appears to be toContinue reading Plans don’t make grade
Teaching Latin in our schools is not a priority
What do you think about plans to teach Latin at 40 state schools? There are about 3,500 secondary schools in England so I wonder how they’ll be chosen. I read of this idea just as I’d been looking through Labour research on rising class sizes. If we can’t reduce class sizes or find the cashContinue reading Teaching Latin in our schools is not a priority
Daunting step to ‘big school’
For many years now, I’ve written to local children as they complete their last days at junior school. Around 1,400 children in Selly Oak constituency experience the change of transferring to the ‘big school’ each year. Where I grew up, we had two secondary schools: one for children of the Roman Catholic faith and anotherContinue reading Daunting step to ‘big school’
University Students Facing Hardship During Lockdown
I have received a huge volume of emails from students living in my constituency who are understandably concerned and disappointed at the Government’s response to the financial and academic difficulties which continue to impact students during this pandemic. I know that university students have been under immense pressure during lockdown. The mental health charity, Mind, reportsContinue reading University Students Facing Hardship During Lockdown
Isla-Rose’s card summed up our spirit during tough times
Isla-Rose’s card summed up our spirit during tough times I PICKED up my Christmas cards from Billesley printer LG Davis last week. Each year I run a competition for local children. Things start in September, as my staff invite schools to take part, so that we can have a winner and a fully printed cardContinue reading Isla-Rose’s card summed up our spirit during tough times
SLEIGH, WHAT?! LOCAL CHILD WINS “BEST IN SNOW” IN MP’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
Steve McCabe MP, Birmingham Selly Oak, is delighted to announce that Isla-Rose Beecroft from St Mary’s Church of England Primary School as winner of his Parliamentary Christmas card competition. Each year, Steve runs a Christmas card competition with local primary schools and after what has been a very difficult year for schools, Steve was determinedContinue reading SLEIGH, WHAT?! LOCAL CHILD WINS “BEST IN SNOW” IN MP’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION