‘Education for the many’

Unite delegate Philippa Marsden today (September 24) spoke in support of a composite on the school system at Labour’s conference.

“Education must never be left to market forces,” she said. “We know that it is education that has the ability to change people’s lives, unlock their potential and empower them to make a difference in this world.

“Access to good quality education is a human right and it is one that benefits the whole of society,” Philippa added.  “Education is also a great leveller. It breaks down the hidden walls of class and empowers people to take control of their lives.”

She highlighted the vital role teachers and school staff play as the “conduit for that learning for our young people” as they work alongside staff in local authority education departments.

“They are the professionals that understand that vital role and that responsibility,” she said. “They are also the people responsible for safeguarding our children, inclusion and making sure that no child is left behind.”

Philippa criticised such crucial roles being cut out “through ideological market changes to schools — academies, grammar schools and free schools.”

As a councillor in Caerphilly and cabinet member for education and achievement, Philippa hailed the Welsh Labour Government which she said has ensured that Wales has not suffered at the hands of privatisation.

“We do not have academy schools,” she pointed out. “In Wales local authorities are in control of school matters. What is happening in Kent would never happen in Wales.”

“In my authority and all across Wales our priority is inclusion,” she added.

She highlighted that in the last 12 months in Wales, two new schools have opened. The government there has invested ÂŁ110m back into school infrastructure, has secured substantial funding to support Welsh language education and has greatly increased local childcare provision.

“We work tireless to do the best for our disadvantaged and vulnerable children,” she added. “It is shocking that in Kent these same children are being excluded. Shame on those academies. Shame on those head teachers in Kent.”

“Wales shows what we can do if schools are in public hands,” Philippa went on to say. “We must put schools back in the hands of teachers, local communities and parents.”

“To do that, we need to have a Labour government in Westminster,” she concluded. “We need education for the many not the few.”

The composite was carried.