‘A new era of childhood calls for a new era of education’: Phillipson says school reforms to be ‘next chapter in our country’s story’

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, will set out her vision for a new era of education that prepares every young person to contribute to society and the economy. 

In a wide-ranging address at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) conference in Liverpool today (Friday 13 March), Phillipson will draw a clear line in the sand, bringing an end to years of schools being treated as islands, and heralding a new era of support both inside and outside the school gates. 

The speech will point to the government's action to lift the two child benefit cap, put a family hub in every local council and provide 30 hours of early years education, clearly signalling a new recognition of the critical role these factors play not only in supporting families, but in improving life chances for children and young people.

The Education Secretary will also speak to more vital reforms this government has made, including expanding mental health support teams to all schools, rolling out free breakfast clubs and extending free school meals to half a million more children.  

In her speech, she will say: 

"Colleagues, the changes you have seen in your classrooms over the past decade — the poverty, the additional need, the technology — this is a new era of childhood, and it calls for a new era of education. An end to policy in parts. Instead, a village around the child. Every child. With schools as the beating heart of that support. 

" And yes it's about every child, but it's also about the next chapter in our country's story. Because if we have every young person leaving education ready to contribute to the economy, to society, to the world that awaits them, it's the whole country that reaps the rewards. This is, in the purest sense, in our national interest. 

“So, our reforms begin today, but they take us into the 2030s and beyond — our schools at the centre of a strong and confident nation, and a modern Britain, with opportunity for all." 

The speech follows the publishing of the government's schools white paper which presents the blueprint for opportunity for the next generation, with an education system that truly serves every child.  

Generational reforms to SEND will mean every child with additional needs will benefit from better, more tailored support, as the government unveiled a landmark £4 billion investment to make every school truly inclusive and transform outcomes for children. 

Alongside this, for the children who need a little extra help, the government will fund a new ‘Experts at Hand' service, investing £1.8 billion over 3 years to create a bank of specialists like SEND teachers and speech and language therapists in every local area which schools can draw down from on demand, meaning every child will be able to access these resources if they need them. 

ENDS

Notes to editors 

• The Education Secretary's full speech will be available on GOV.UK following delivery on Friday 13 March. 
• The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Annual Conference takes place on Friday 13 March and Saturday 14 March at the ACC in Liverpool.