It’s been great in Parliament working on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and in Newcastle North chatting to residents and the North Tyneside Council team.

If you would like more regular updates, please follow me on my social media: www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/contact-me/.

Meeting with the elected Mayor and new Chief Executive of North Tyneside Council

Last week, it was brilliant to meet with Dame Norma Redfearn, Mayor of North Tyneside, and the new Chief Executive of the Council to discuss support for schools and rising standards in the local area, as well as a successful Ofsted report for the borough on their children’s services.

We also discussed responsible long-term investment in line with the budget for 2025/26 and the recent progress on Our North Tyneside Plan which is working to build a better local area that is thriving, family-friendly, caring, secure and green. You can find out more about the plan and keep up to date with its progress here: my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/1241/our-north-tyneside-plan.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill Committee Stage

Last week also marked the start of the Committee Stage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, where key experts and interest groups provide evidence, and the legislation is scrutinised line by line.

I am pleased with the progress of the Bill, which will deliver on our Plan for Change to break down the barriers to opportunity as well as significantly enhance safeguards for our children and young people.

Cadets visit with Minister Carns

It was great to visit the Cadets at Haberdashers Knights Academy with the Minister of Veterans and People, Alistair Carns MP, to see firsthand how the Cadets equip young people to thrive and achieve by developing leadership and teamwork skills.

If you want to find out more about a Cadets group near you, visit: armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

Debate on Government support for Education, Health and Care Plans

Last week, responding to a Westminster Hall debate on EHCP’s as Minister for School Standards, I outlined the Department for Education’s intention to reform the SEND system so that children and families can access the support they need.

The Labour Government is working to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as to ensure that special schools can cater to those with the most complex needs.

Meetings with Newcastle North residents

I regularly hold surgeries to give Newcastle North residents an opportunity to raise any queries, questions, or concerns that they hold. These surgeries are specifically for issues that I may be able to assist with as your local MP.

If you would like to raise a particular issue with me, please contact me here: www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/contact-me/

Armed Forces Commissioner Bill

Last week the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill passed Third Reading, meaning that the Government will establish the first ever independent Armed Forces Commissioner to champion service personnel and their families.

You can find out more about the Commissioner and other ways that Labour is supporting our Armed Forces here: www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/new-armed-forces-commissioner-to-champion-service-personnel-and-their-families/