Valerie Meets Schools Minister at the Department for Education

At Education Questions I asked for a meeting with the Schools Minister. Robin Walker MP  is the Schools Standards Minister and agreed to meet with the Principals of Blue Coat CofE Academy, David Smith and Joseph Leckie Academy, James Ludlow to discuss the refusals of funds to improve the schools. On 21 June 2022 at the Department for Education with officials we discussed the process and the reasons for refusal.

David Smith and James Ludlow made the pitch to the Minister, explaining the details of the condition of the buildings in their schools, and the improvements needed for a properly functioning, safe and secure school. Both schools applied for the Condition Improvement Fund but have not been allocated funds to start works. The Minister and his officials listened and said they would look into the information and pass it on to Baroness Barran, who is responsible for the school condition. 

It was a positive meeting, and I will work with Blue Coat and Joseph Leckie and the Department to secure the funding to renovate the schools so that the pupils can learn in a safe environment.