Catherine, as Minister for School Standards, closed the House of Commons general debate on education and opportunity with a rousing speech on the government’s vision for education and its plans for delivery.

Catherine spoke about the importance of early years education to children’s development. To address the disparities in childcare provision that widened under the last Conservative Government, she told the House that this Labour government will deliver 3,000 more primary school-based nurseries. Catherine then went onto address Labour’s other plans for education, including plans to roll out breakfast clubs in every primary school in England, to introduce Skills England to better match post-16 education to the needs of the economy and to support mainstream schools to accommodate more SEND pupils.

Noting the demographic changes of this new parliament, in her speech Catherine also pointed out that there are now as many state-educated sacred heart school alumnae – including herself as a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Fenham – as there are Etonian alumni as Members of Parliament.

Following the speech, Catherine commented:

“This Labour Government is committed to giving every child the best start in life and equipping them with an excellent education, regardless of their place of birth or the income of their parents.

“But we know that none of the challenges left by the previous government can be addressed by one person or body alone. That is why, to deliver on this aim, we are listening and learning from best practice in the education system to deliver change together.

“This Labour government is resetting the relationship between families, teachers, support staff and government to rebuild trust and break down the barriers to opportunity for every child and young person in this country.”