Working across the political spectrum: party conference season so far
Party conference season is here. For many of us that means a busy few weeks of building relationships, debating policy, and seeing how each party's thinking on education, children and young people is taking shape. May's local elections pointed to a more fragmented political landscape with influence spread across more parties than at any time in recent memory. That makes it more important than ever for a cross-sector coalition like ours to ensure the case for fair education is heard right across the political spectrum.
Looking back: Reform and the Liberal Democrats
There have already been two conferences. Reform went first with the theme 'The First 100 Days’, with a focus on the policy and delivery detail that would follow if the party won the next General Election. Two areas stood out for their potential impact on children and young people. The first is the curriculum. Reform announced plans to rewrite it around a more patriotic account of British history, and to require every school to sing the national anthem and fly the Union flag.
The second is higher education. Reform pledged to cut public funding for degrees judged to be poor value by 20%, a saving the party puts at around £4 billion and would redirect to technical and vocational routes. If you work in post-16 or skills, this signals where a Reform government would put its money, though it was disappointing not to hear more on the party’s plans for apprenticeships.
The Liberal Democrats followed, with young people further up the agenda and new policies on rural and coastal education.
Our members Lucia Quadrini of Teach First and Andy McGowan of Carers Trust were both there, and share their reflections below:
“The Lib Dems are placing increasing emphasis on tackling the NEET challenge, with new proposals including a baccalaureate at 18 alongside T Levels and vocational qualifications, a guarantee of 100 hours of work experience and professional enrichment for every young person before 18, and more personalised employment support.
“Alongside this, the conference highlighted strong support for SEND reform, mental health provision and inclusion, alongside concerns that current funding levels are insufficient to deliver meaningful change. There was also significant discussion of rural and regional inequalities, transport barriers and access to opportunity, with a broader argument that the education system needs to offer more flexible and enriching pathways for young people.”
Looking ahead: Labour, Conservatives and Greens
Labour is next, and we have a fantastic event lined up.
'Devolution that Delivers for Children and Young People’ brings together speakers from neighbourhood to national level, including
including Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould MP, the Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Liam Robinson, Lib Peck from the GLA, Emma Lord, Capacity and Youth Steering Group member Osob. We will be exploring how local, regional and national institutions can forge effective partnerships to improve outcomes from cradle to career for children from low-income backgrounds across England.
28 September, 11am–12pm, Hilton Liverpool City Centre (outside the secure zone). RSVP to attend
The Conservative and Green conferences close out the season. Once they're over, we'll share more reflections on what we heard and what it means for our shared mission for educational equity.
