Restoring morale will take time and money. But unlike the government, Sir Keir Starmer and Bridget Phillipson have some bright ideas
Two more days of school were missed by thousands of children in England last week because of strikes, while the education secretary, Gillian Keegan, refused to reveal an independent review body’s recommendations on teachers’ pay. There is a high likelihood that headteachers will join industrial action in the autumn. For years, Conservative ministers have taken a high-handed approach to teachers, dismissing concerns about falling morale and the staffing problems it causes. Now unhappiness is overflowing and the risks are real. Around the country, lessons are being taught by teachers without specialist knowledge, while a growing number of school buildings crumble around them.
Schools and universities are not among Rishi Sunak’s top-five priorities. So it is a relief for anyone who cares about education that Sir Keir Starmer has included it on his rival list. In a speech last week he offered more details of his party’s plans while Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, made it clear that improving nurseries will form a key part of her party’s agenda – as it was for New Labour, with Sure Start.
