It was a delight to meet with both our primary and secondary schools, and college leaders again this week. Our schools and colleges are working extremely hard to deliver the best education possible, while focusing on the wellbeing of their students.
This week we were also joined by Benjamin Hyde-Wardle from Weybridge Youth Hub in the secondary school and colleagues meeting to discuss the work of Weybridge Youth Hub and the services they offer young people entering work. Ensuring young people have the skills they need and know of the opportunities available is vital, and I will be working with our schools, colleges, Royal Holloway University and local businesses to try to maximise these opportunities.
During the meetings, discussions ranged from the effects of Omicron, exam pressures and what changes to T levels and BTECs means for future education, to a discussion on OFSTED visits and how to aid student’s wellbeing, Our schools do so much more than just teach academic subjects, they also give our children the social and emotional skills to thrive, and it is clear that student wellbeing is a huge priority for our schools and their staff.
While they continue to deliver excellence, these have been extremely difficult times, with staffing issues and student attendance at a low to covid. I will continue to support and advocate on behalf of our schools and colleges to ensure they are receiving the help and guidance they need too.
I will be having follow up meetings with Surrey County Council and my colleagues in Westminster to discuss the range of topics that were brought to my attention and I will very much look forward to meeting with our schools and colleagues again in the coming months to discuss any findings I may have.
