Surrey Heath has so many brilliant schools with fantastic teachers, and I regularly visit local schools to stay informed of any issues or concerns, offering all the support I can. I want to do everything possible to ensure that every child in Surrey Heath has the best possible education.
More investment: The quality of facilities in schools can have a significant impact on a student’s learning, and I have been working closely with Conservative colleagues to secure investment in our schools to offer children the best opportunity to succeed. That’s why I welcome the news that Collingwood College will benefit from the latest round of the School Rebuilding Programme, backed by £1.8 billion in 2022–34. I want to see more investment in Surrey Heath’s schools, and will continue to make the case for more funding.
Safer journeys: The safety of our children is paramount, and I have been joining forces with local Conservative councillors to help make journeys to and from school safer for children in Surrey Heath. We’ve successfully secured free bus passes for children travelling from Lightwater to Collingwood College, a safe crossing at Ravenscote Junior School, and I’m working on improving road safely outside many other schools in Surrey Heath. I’ve also been pressing for a safe and reliable bus service for children travelling from Chobham to Collingwood College.
Improving SEND provision: I often receive casework from the parents of children with Special Education Needs & Disabilities regarding their school placements and further provisions required from the Local Authority, including home to school transport. The issue has become more prominent in the wake of the pandemic, and I’m working with Surrey MPs and Surrey County Council on important improvements to Special Educational Needs provision across the County.
More apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are fantastic ways for students to enter the world of work, helping them to build new skills and gain vital industry knowledge, and it’s brilliant news that 9,110 new apprenticeships have been created in Surrey Heath since 2010. I want to continue driving up the number of people boosting their skills through apprenticeships, and I am committed to supporting people to realise their career aspirations without having to leave their communities, ensuring local employers have access to the skills they need to grow and thrive.
