Ensuring that all children in our local area get the best start in life is crucially important. A child’s schooling can shape their future and has a big impact on their choices about college, university or work. I therefore shared the concern of parents when I read Oakbank School’s recent Ofsted report.
Since the report was published, over 100 parents and a number of Oakbank former staff have been in touch to share their concerns. From speaking to them, it is clear that staff and students have been seriously let down by Anthem Schools Trust, particularly over
the last two years. Ofsted’s summary of safeguarding practices at Oakbank is extremely worrying. There are gaps in the curriculum, particularly for pupils in Year 11. Experienced staff have felt undervalued by Anthem and many have left, and parents are asking how Anthem has been allowed to continue to mismanage Oakbank.
This week, I asked Minister for School Standards Catherine McKinnell how Anthem Schools Trust will be held to account for their record of failing schools, and how the Government’s new framework will challenge other failing academy trusts before it gets to the
point of inadequacy. I will also write to Bridget Phillipson to ask how the Government plans to ensure school standards are kept within trusts, and what measures the new framework will put in place to protect children at failing schools with urgency. In the meantime, I will continue to press the Department for Education to take swift action at Oakbank so that children and staff are safe and supported. Last week, I met Dame Kate Dethridge, Regional Director for the South East at the DfE and raised some of the concerns of parents to her.
Over the first six months as an MP, I have enjoyed visiting primary schools across the constituency. I have spoken to students in assemblies and taken some brilliant questions. I look forward to visiting secondary schools this year and working to engage students with politics.
Therefore, I am pleased that the Labour Government is implementing many important policies as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The Government will tackle the rise of children who aren’t attending school, making sure that all children are
safeguarded and protected. This is particularly important after the Covid pandemic, as persistent absence has risen sharply.
Additionally, the number of compulsory branded school uniform items has been capped to three (plus a tie at secondary school), which should start to save parents around £50 per child. I know that this has been a frustration for a long time and will be welcome news.
The Government has also announced the roll out of free breakfast clubs for all students, with 750 early adopter schools to start this year ahead of a national roll out in 2026. Schools that offer breakfast clubs report improvements in behaviour, attendance and academic attainment.
I will continue to campaign for all students in the constituency of Earley and Woodley to receive a world class education. Please do get in touch if you would like to chat about me or my team about schools. You can reach me on yuan.yang.mp@parliament.uk
Yuan Yang is Labour MP for Earley & Woodley
