I went back to school this week when I took the same SATs tests year 6 pupils take.
As a former teacher, it was very strange being on the other side of the desk and being invigilated by year 6 pupils! I sat the maths paper as part of the More than a Score campaign that wants to see the tests ended.
I do believe assessment is important, but we must not put too much pressure on such young minds either, especially if it would affect their mental health. In case you are thinking, individual scores are not revealed!
You may know I sit on the Education Select Committee, and we had the Secretary of State Gillian Keegan attend for an accountability hearing this week. I raised the Holiday Activity Programmes and the emerging evidence base of their positive impact on school attendance and on the attainment gap. I shared how one little girl at the Art House in Grove Road who hosted a programme, had told me that one day, she was “going to own a business just like this.”
Last Friday I had a meeting with Sussex NHS Commissioners where I raised Covid and Flu vaccine programmes. I was told the priority groups are now going through.
I also raised bereavement support as concerns about funding levels had previously been raised with me by Cruse, the UK’s bereavement charity, who came to Parliament last week.
I met a wonderful lady - an Eastbourne constituent and Cruse bereavement volunteer at that event.
She remembered when several years ago I had been overcome with grief for the baby I had lost at our annual Tree of Light dedication. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the event. It has come to be such an important moment for so many in our town, me included. I was pleased to help switch on the lights again this year. Huge thanks to Rotarians who serve so faithfully and businesses who support so generously.
