It has been a busy first month – as Catherine was returned to Parliament as MP for Newcastle North and joined the new Labour government as the Minister of State for School Standards.

Commenting on her first month in government, Catherine said:

“It is such an honour to be returned to Parliament on 4 July, to represent the new Newcastle North constituency. It is the fifth time I have been sworn into Parliament, but the first time to be doing so as part of a Labour government, focused on changing the country for the better.

“It’s been a whirlwind of a month, but I am delighted that we’ve hit the ground running with our first steps for change, already delivering on our plans to improve education, with our announcements on the curriculum and assessment review, teacher recruitment, retention and pay.

“We’ve reset the relationship between Government and the education sector, which will be essential to our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity in every school and community.”

Government launches curriculum and assessment review

“Children, young people and teachers are struggling with an outdated curriculum that does not set them up properly to thrive.

“The launch of the curriculum review, which will be chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE, is an important step in turning this tide. The review will support the delivery of a broad and rich curriculum, with excellent foundations in reading, writing and maths as well as providing opportunities for students to develop their creative passions and gain digital, speaking and listening skills.”

First school visit as Minister of State for School Standards 

“It was great to kick off my official visits as Minister of State for School Standards with a trip to the fantastic Woody School in South London. Woody School is a wonderful example of what we want to see across the country – inclusive learning environments with a diverse and enriching curriculum.”

Catherine makes first speech in new Parliament on breaking down the barriers to opportunity

“I was honoured to speak in Parliament about this new Labour Government’s commitment to giving every child the best start in life and equipping them with an excellent education, regardless of their place of birth or the income of their parents.

“But we know that none of the challenges left by the previous government can be addressed by one person or body alone. That is why, to deliver on this aim, we are listening and learning from best practice in the education system to deliver change together.

“This Labour government is resetting the relationship between families, teachers, support staff and government to rebuild trust and break down the barriers to opportunity for every child and young person in this country.”

Catherine visits Croftway Primary Academy in Blyth

“I had a fantastic day visiting staff and students at Croftway Academy and to hear about their inclusive approach to education and important work with Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub to deliver excellent early years education.”

Children’s Wellbeing Bill

“The Children’s Wellbeing Bill will make sure that children’s wellbeing is at the heart of education and social care systems, ensuring that all children are treated fairly regardless of background.

“Vital changes will support some of the most vulnerable children, including the delivery of free breakfast clubs to every primary school and limiting the number of branded uniforms that a school can require, bringing down the cost of school for parents.

“The Bill will also require local authorities to create Children Not in School registers, so we know where children are being educated and can prevent any child from falling through the gaps.

“This Government is laser-focused on creating an education system that delivers high and rising standards, in turn supporting better life chances for every child.”

Catherine visits the Department for Education North East Regions Group in Darlington

“It was great to meet the North East Region Group teams and take questions from professionals with incredible drive to deliver excellence for every child and young person in the North East.

“Colleagues and professionals right across the sector are going to be instrumental in creating the change we need to see. Only by working in partnership will we break down the barriers to opportunity for every child.”

Meeting with MPs on SEND education

“I joined the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, in meeting with MPs to discuss  the current landscape of SEND education and the chaos and stress left by the Conservatives.

“The former Conservative Education Secretary described the SEND system as ‘lose, lose, lose’. This Labour Government will work tirelessly to turn this around so that every child can receive an education that sets them up for life.”