From making a government statement in the House of Commons on rising school standards to welcoming the German Ambassador to Newcastle, it has been a busy week both in Westminster and Newcastle North! For more regular updates, you can find me on social media here.

A new era for school standards

On Monday, I spoke on the media about the Labour Government’s plans to increase school standards, improve accountability and reform school inspection.

I also outlined our plans to overhaul Ofsted and introduce RISE teams to target stuck schools across the country, driving high and rising standards.

Government statement

In the House of Commons, I set out the Government’s plans to reform school accountability – to support and challenge every school to do better for its pupils, so that every child can thrive.

I was pleased to announce that RISE – regional improvement for standards and excellence – teams will be introduced to facilitate faster improvement to turn stuck schools around. The Department for Education will dedicate over £20 million for the new RISE teams over the next 15 months, with our first 20 advisers already in place.

I also set out our plans to reform Ofsted inspections and highlighted a new 12-week consultation, which will gather the views of teachers, school leaders and parents on the principles needed for inspection, support and intervention. You can take part in the consultation here.

Breakfast with German Ambassador

It was lovely to welcome Miguel Berger, the German Ambassador, to Newcastle with Chris McDonald MP, to chat about unlocking opportunities in the North East.

Meeting with Minister at the Cabinet Office

I also met with the Cabinet Office Minister, Georgia Gould MP, to discuss the Government’s plans to break down the barriers to opportunity. This is part of our Government’s commitment to working across Government to improve outcomes for every child in every community.

World Cancer Day

On this year’s World Cancer Day, I honoured those with cancer, their family and friends, and the incredible charities who provide essential support.

I am glad that the NHS is exploring how AI tools can be used to intervene and prevent cancer, with nearly 700,000 women across the country soon to take part in a world-leading trial to test how AI can be used to catch breast cancer earlier.

Find more information on the trial and use of AI tools here.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the Committee Rooms recently! Last week we continued to respond to scrutiny of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, looking at measures that will improve our schools – from a strengthened curriculum for all, to giving councils the opportunity to open all types of school, and introducing greater flexibility to intervene in failing schools.

Children’s Mental Health Week

Last week we marked Children’s Mental Health Week. I am devastated that so many children and young people in our country struggle with poor mental health and I am committed to tackling this crisis. Find out more about the Government’s support for children and young people struggling with their mental health here.