Editorial: Labour’s Proposals Rightly Shift the Focus on Teachers in Schools

Last week, thousands of children in England missed two days of school due to strikes, while Gillian Keegan, the education secretary, refused to disclose the recommendations of an independent review body regarding teachers’ pay. This has raised concerns about future industrial action, with headteachers potentially joining in. The Conservative government has long dismissed teachers’ concerns about morale and staffing issues, but the dissatisfaction has now reached a tipping point. Across the country, classes are being taught by teachers without specialized knowledge, and many school buildings are deteriorating.

Rishi Sunak’s top-five priorities do not include schools and universities, but thankfully, Sir Keir Starmer has recognized the importance of education by including it on his rival list. In a recent speech, Starmer provided further details of his party’s plans, and Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, emphasized the focus on improving nurseries, aligning with the previous emphasis on early childhood education during New Labour’s tenure.

Labour aims to generate at least £1 billion by eliminating tax breaks for private school fees, although they have not specified how much of this revenue will be allocated to increasing teachers’ salaries. They propose a scheme to incentivize new teachers to stay in the profession with a £2,400 bonus after two years. However, their broader vision to restore the profession’s status and rebuild the relationship with the government will require a larger investment.

While Labour remains silent on the Conservative’s plans to compel local authority schools to join academy chains, Phillipson rightly prioritizes addressing the issues within schools. While governance and accountability are important, there are more pressing concerns such as unanswered job advertisements, high staff turnover rates, pupil absenteeism, and the unmet needs of students with special needs.

The Conservative government, especially during Michael Gove’s tenure as education secretary, has focused on questionable curriculum and assessment reforms. Labour’s renewed emphasis on speaking skills is a welcome change. Verbal communication has been undervalued compared to writing skills, except in foreign language education where speaking and listening are routinely assessed. Sir Keir acknowledges that the details of curriculum changes need further consideration; however, he should commit to involving teachers in the decision-making process. Giving teachers autonomy and the freedom to explore their interests is essential for fostering innovation and expertise in classrooms.

Labour must stand firm in its fight over tax breaks. Correspondence released last month revealed that officials at the Independent Schools Council referred to Ms. Phillipson as “very chippy.” If she becomes the education secretary, her next challenge will be confronting the Treasury and addressing the funding crisis in universities. However, Phillipson and her colleagues understand that investing in poverty alleviation will alleviate some of the strain on schools.

Implementing these changes will not be easy, quick, or inexpensive. Labour’s thoughtful approach and unwavering focus on addressing educational inequality are promising signs. Half-hearted austerity policies will not suffice. Once in power, Labour will need to do more to make up for the current government’s neglect of schools during the pandemic.