Stockton Liberal Democrats Demand Better – Every Child Empowered

There is a lack of transparency and accountability in our education system. Appointed Regional School Commissioners wield the power to irreversibly remove schools from local authority oversight.

This, coupled with a lack of distinction in who was responsible, made worse by the program of promoting academies started under Labour, and continued by the Conservatives led to the unfortunate event where a child was denied the effective education they were entitled to whilst the local authority attempted to place them in a more appropriate setting.

This in itself was an avoidable failure of the education system, but it was also a symptom of a system in dire need of investment and reform. A narrowing curriculum, excessive reliance on league tables and a deficit in special educational needs support risks robbing a generation of its life opportunities.

David Minchella of Stockton Liberal Democrats says "From my experience, I have observed all too often occasions where younger people have become "lost" in the system having never received the support and help that they desperately needed. Therefore it is vitally important that they are provided with the correct level of help and support in school to provide them with the best chance for the future."

Things can be different, the Liberal Democrats advocate reform of the education system, ensuring that all education establishments are responsible to the Local Authority, and subject to the same inspection regime. We demand better for our young people by Investing in delivering wider, more inclusive education ensuring the best possible opportunities for everyone.