We are delighted to see the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, put investment behind skills and wellbeing alongside provision for 16-18 year olds and early years. We also welcome the additional £560 million which will be provided for youth services, and the continuation of the Holiday Activities Fund. We want to work with Government to ensure that these cross society efforts are supported and invested in fully to achieve our four priority areas:
Developing the whole child including wellbeing, skills, and attainment
Engaging parents and communities of all backgrounds
Preparing young people for accessing employment, education, and training
Supporting teachers and leaders in the most disadvantaged areas
We recognise the investment made and acknowledge further action is needed to ensure a fair education system.
In our 2021 Report Card we provide a synthesis of research and evidence on educational inequality plus a summary of some of the impactful work that is being done across the Fair Education Alliance membership to address these issues.
Earlier this year we supported The Education Policy Institute recommendation of £13.5 billion in investment needed to address long-standing issues and recovery and the investment through our own campaign. We hope that the Government can consider increasing the existing funds outlined in yesterdays budget so that we can truly 'level-up' and create an inclusive education system.
Our collective vision for a fairer and more inclusive education system is already being driven by a wide range of Fair Education Alliance organisations from across businesses, charity, social enterprise and the third sector.
It is critical now more than ever to keep this momentum going and to come together and drive forward our shared vision for a fairer and more equitable education system for all.