Once again the exam results have been exceptional this year, and I am delighted that so many students at our local schools have done so well with their grades.  We are fortunate to have some of the best schools in the country in our area and I send my warmest congratulations to the pupils, teachers, parents and staff, who have worked so hard over the last year. 

But it’s not all good news for education.  This week, research has shown that Government policies aimed at trying to boost pre-school children’s education levels have made no impact whatsoever – I repeat, no impact!  Since 1997, the Government has spent £21 billion of tax-payers money on ill-thought out measures that have achieved little for anyone.  In particular I am disappointed for those parents and children from less advantaged backgrounds who were most in need of support to catch up with those around them. 

The research suggests that early-years policies were not thought-through or closely monitored and this is why these vast sums of money have been wasted.  This is incredibly disappointing for parents of young children who will not have had the same preparation for entering their reception year as children from more advantaged backgrounds.

Early-years education prepares all children, whatever their background, for their first year at school and it is a damning indictment that after 10-years, the Government has failed to address the issue adequately.  £21 billion is a lot of money to waste – even according to the Prime Minister’s standards.  It is time for the Prime Minister to either listen to teachers, parents and professionals and monitor the results of Government spending or it’s time for a change of attitude through a change of Government.