I am often invited to visit schools in Staffordshire Moorlands and was pleased to be asked to do a Speakers for Schools Talk to a group of 6th formers at Biddulph High School. I am always proud and honoured to talk about how a local girl became an MP and about my role in Parliament representing the people of Staffordshire Moorlands. It was great to talk to the students and answer their many questions on a whole range of issues both local and national.
Earlier in the week I met a group from Westwood First School at the Parliamentary Education Centre in Westminster following their tour and some special workshops. It was lovely to meet the children who had some really good questions for me.
This Government is working hard to ensure all children get the best possible start in life – and with the attainment gap narrowing and more children attending good or outstanding schools than ever before, we are making good progress. That’s why we’re increasing school funding over the next two years, meaning it will rise from nearly £41 billion a year to more than £43 billion a year. By 2019-20, real school spending per pupil will be more than 50 per cent higher than it was in 2000–01.
However, I know some of my constituents have been concerned about Universal Credit – and what it will mean for free school meals. Let me be clear. No child currently receiving free school meals will have them taken away during the roll out of Universal Credit. Any claims about children losing their meal are inaccurate – and causing families unnecessary distress. Under our new guidelines, 50,000 more children will receive free school meals. If you have any individual concerns about this, please do email me and I will do my best to help.