Bridget Phillipson Faces First Education Questions from MPs
Bridget Phillipson and her ministerial team faced their first round of questions from MPs yesterday after Labour’s victory in the July election. The topics, centered around some of the most pressing issues in education today, included SEND education, the ongoing funding challenges, private schools, and the relationship between the government and teachers’ unions. Labour’s approach signals key shifts in policy and a clear departure from the previous Conservative administration.
Key Takeaways from Bridget Phillipson’s First Education Questions
1. SEND Funding and Failures
One of the most urgent topics Phillipson addressed was the state of SEND funding; the previous government’s statutory override on SEND budget deficits allowed councils to exclude these deficits from their revenue books until 2026. Asked whether she would extend this measure, Phillipson critiqued that decision, stating it reflected a “significant failure” over the past 14 years. Her response reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to reassessing SEND provision and funding to address long-standing issues and ensure that families are not “terribly let down” as she claimed they have been in recent years.
2. ‘Safety Valve’ Agreements Under Review
SEND provision continued to dominate discussions, with several questions about the controversial ‘safety valve’ agreements; arrangements made to provide government bailouts for councils in exchange for reforms to their SEND services. While Phillipson’s team acknowledged that these agreements will continue for the time being, there was a clear signal that Labour intends to review them. This reflects a broader Labour commitment to addressing inequities in SEND funding and ensuring reforms benefit the children and families most in need.
3. Labour’s Stance on Private Schools
A key aspect of Labour’s education policy has been its pledge to charge VAT on private school fees. When asked about reports of private schools potentially closing due to this policy, ministers, including Stephen Morgan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Early Education, made it clear that they view private schools as businesses responsible for their own finances. However, MPs also stated that the government stands ready to assist should closures impact children's education.
4. A ‘Different Relationship’ with Unions and Leaders
In contrast to the previous government’s often adversarial relationship with teachers’ unions, Bridget Phillipson emphasised Labour’s commitment to a more cooperative approach. She assured MPs that rather than engaging in “pointless fights” or provoking avoidable industrial action, Labour’s education team intends to work in partnership with unions, teachers, and school leaders. This move toward collaboration is likely to play a key role in ensuring educational reforms are implemented smoothly, without the disruption seen in recent years.
5. Wellbeing Bill on the Horizon
Labour’s Wellbeing Bill, which promises to introduce free breakfast clubs in every primary school and ensure that all schools follow the national curriculum, was also a focal point of the discussions. While the exact timing of the bill's introduction remains uncertain, ministers assured that it would come “as soon as parliamentary time allows.” This initiative aligns with Labour’s broader focus on supporting student wellbeing and improving access to education for all.
Comparing Past and Present Labour Policies on Education
Labour’s education policies under Phillipson represent both continuity and change. In the past, Labour has emphasised the need for fair funding and educational equality; for instance, former Labour Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner’s focus was on ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education. This priority continues under Phillipson, albeit in a renewed focus on SEND and efforts to make education funding more equitable.
However, there are notable shifts in Labour’s tone and approach. The review of ‘safety valve’ agreements and SEND funding points to a more hands-on approach to addressing systemic issues. While Rayner’s tenure highlighted and prioritised education inequality, Phillipson’s leadership appears to focus more explicitly on systemic reform to address the root causes of the issues, which one could argue is an easier task once your party holds government.
Another significant shift is the stance on private schools under previous Labour leaders, the policy of charging VAT on private school fees was proposed but faced significant pushback. Phillipson’s team is reinforcing this policy, presenting it not only as a financial adjustment but as part of Labour’s broader education reform agenda. By framing private schools as businesses, Labour is attempting to draw a clear line between public and private education, emphasising accountability while maintaining the importance of standards across the sector.