BARNSLEY MP Marie Tidball has voted in favour of landmark new legislation to become law at the final stage in order to save parents £500 per year per child during the cost-of-living crisis.
The new Children and Wellbeing Bill will establish free breakfast clubs, introduce a cap on the number of branded school uniform items allowed and put more qualified teachers in classrooms.
The new law, politicians say, will raise school standards whilst recognising the work of teachers by standardising pay and conditions across maintained schools and academies.
The greatest child protection reforms in a generation are also made by the bill, by introducing a greater role for schools in identifying and supporting at-risk children to keep children safe.
It also takes steps to overhaul the children’s social care system, starting with giving the government the power to cap the profit private providers can make.
Pupils and parents across Marie’s Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency will be among the first to benefit from the new policies, as High Green Primary School has been selected as one of the first schools across the country to pilot the free breakfast clubs from April this year.
She told the Chronicle: “When knocking on doors across our communities, I’ve listened to parents tell me time and time again how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting their families, particularly with the growing list of expensive school uniform requirements.
“As a mum I know the difference free breakfast clubs will make to people, ensuring every child starts the day with a nutritious meal so they can focus and learn properly.
“Together with more qualified and expert teachers in classrooms, the reforms in this landmark law will drive higher standards in our local schools and protect our most vulnerable children from falling through the cracks.
“I missed three years of school because of the surgeries I needed as a child and it was my amazing teachers and local state education that allowed me to catch up and reach my potential.
“Where you grow up should never determine where you end up in life and I will continue working hard so children from Penistone and Stocksbridge get the very best start they deserve.”
