One of Tony Blair’s most famous speeches prior to his election in 1997 promised that his top three priorities would be “Education, education, education”. Thirteen years later, the Labour government’s record on education has gone from bad to worse.
Government figures from January 2010 reveal that the gap between poorer children and the better-off is clear when they are only five years old. Labour’s shameful failure to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds extra support means that this gap grows wider as children grow older.
Liberal Democrats would spend an extra £2.5bn on schools, giving them the money they need to cut class sizes and run catch-up classes, particularly for younger children. This will help ensure all children get the individual attention they need and a fair start in life.
For university students, we have a carefully costed plan for phasing out tuition fees. Liberal Democrats believe it’s fundamentally wrong that young graduates start their working live owing tens of thousands of pounds to the state.
But it’s about more than just money. We would reduce the number of tests taken by primary school children. Additionally, we would replace the national curriculum with a slimmed down “minimum curriculum entitlement”, enabling teachers to be more flexible and creative. We would enable older pupils to take a mixture of academic study and vocational training, to better prepare themselves for the world of work.
David Laws MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, says:
“The gap between poorer children and the better-off is clear when they are only five years old. Labour’s shameful failure to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds extra support means that this gap grows wider as children grow older.
The Conservatives’ plans will mean many schools have their budgets slashed.
Liberal Democrats will give schools the money to cut class sizes and provide children who are struggling with more individual support by committing an extra £2.5bn.”
Hilary Myers, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Calder Valley, says:
“We have made a key strategic decision, in this age of austerity that is upon us, to increase spending in one important area – our children’s future. I believe that dedicating £2500 each for one million of our poorest children is right, sensible and fair.”