No one would underestimate how difficult a time the country has
faced over the last years reducing the largest deficit faced by this
country for since the war and working towards growth when Europe is also
facing great economic difficulties too.
But last week David Cameron gave a speech that really framed the next stages of this governments agenda for the UK. Due to the action this Government has
taken the economy has begun to stabilise and the deficit has already
been reduced by a quarter. Although there will be tough times ahead,
and we are certainly not out of the woods yet, David Cameron argued that
there are reasons to be cheerful, not least because over one million
new private sector jobs have been created since we came to power.
We are very much focused in Thanet on what can be delivered to
build great opportunities for all our residents. This week I was at
Newington primary school and there the government’s policy of the pupil
premium - giving schools with the poorest children additional funds - is
really delivering results. Today we have a large delegation from
London in Thanet to support our small business with exports ensuring
that we are making the most of the growing export opportunities. Our
own Chamber of Commerce is also hosting an event with some French
businesses in the green sector to increase trade and even possibly
invest here.
So
in the words of David Cameron, lets "get Britain on the rise!". With
the deficit paid down, tough decisions taken and growth fired up, I am
hopeful that the next few years will be a lot brighter than the last
few.
In most schools by the heads own admissions they are having to add the pupil premiums to the general funds for the benefit of all and not the pupils it was intended for. Here's a quote from the OFSTEAD head and he should know.
ReplyDelete"Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw says a flagship policy to target extra funding at poor pupils in England is having little impact on many schools.
A snapshot survey of 117 schools in poor areas suggests the extra £600 per poor pupil a year made little or no difference to support for them.
Sir Michael said it was a "real worry" if cash was being diverted to "tarmacking playgrounds"."
The clue is Sir Michael's use of the word 'if' which, loosely translated means he is not sure. Other reports suggest that the pupil premium is having an impact where it is most needed. One will also note that Sir Michael's reference to 'many' schools translates to 'most' schools in your comment. Maybe you are a little biased 09:05.
DeleteBefore you make some assumption I am equally biased on the opposite side, let me say I find much to criticise in the present government, particularly its leadership. Nonetheless, some things are turning for the better and there is certainly little on offer from the left of the political spectrum. Furthermore, Michael Gove, one might say on Education, is one of the few successes in an otherwise fairly inept team, but don't look to their shadows for improvement.
All in all the unfortunate citizens of this country are pretty poorly served by the political classes.