Catherine addressed the Area-based Education Partnerships Association (AEPA) Annual Conference, outlining Labour’s plans for education, including the introduction of Regional School Improvement Teams and making it a requirement for schools, including academies, to co-operate with their local authority, as part of their vision to re-set the relationship between schools, families and government. Catherine joined Baroness Estelle Morris and Dame Christine Gilbert CBE, who chair AEPA.

Catherine speaking at the AEPA conference 2024

In her speech to the Conference, Catherine commented: “Labour understands that government doesn’t hold all of the answers. Just like schools cannot be expected to fix every problem either. So, we would prioritise re-setting the relationship between schools, families, and government. One which fosters co-operation and working together.”

AEPs are place-based organisations set up to work collectively to address issues around equity and quality in the education system, as well as providing services to help schools and teachers develop and improve their practice.

In her speech, Catherine highlighted that the next Labour government would build on the work by establishing Regional School Improvement Teams to support school leaders in addressing areas of challenge within their schools, using evidence-based practice and expertise to help drive improvements. Labour would also revise delivery of the Early Career Framework for teachers and introduce a mentoring framework for school leaders, to ensure the highest standards of professional development.

This is part of Labour’s broader educational offer, which includes replacing Ofsted single word judgements with a wider report card giving a more information, conducting a full expert led curriculum and assessment review to deliver a broad and inclusive offer for every child, and requiring schools to cooperate with their local authority on admissions policies and place planning.

Catherine ended the speech by saying: “That’s also why education is at the heart of Labour’s vision for Britain. It’s one of our five key missions for Government. It’s what Labour Governments do. I don’t have to remind you of “education, education, education”. Education will – once again – be a priority under the next Labour Government. Not just for some of our children, and some of our schools, but for all of our children in every school. So, we can break down the barriers to opportunity for every child. And put education at the centre of our national life once again.”