The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has confirmed a substantial investment in education as part of her first Budget, pledging £1.4 billion for the rebuilding of crumbling school facilities across England. This funding forms a critical part of the government’s strategy to break down barriers to opportunity for children and young people, emphasising education as a priority for the nation’s future.
In her address, Chancellor Reeves highlighted the urgent need for improvements in the school estate, especially as the government grapples with a £22 billion shortfall in public finances. “Protecting funding for education was one of the things I wanted to do first because our children are the future of this country,” she stated. “We might have inherited a mess, but they should not suffer for it.”
The allocated £1.4 billion will support the existing School Rebuilding Programme, which aims to complete 50 rebuilds annually. This initiative is designed to meet the needs of parents, teachers, and local communities who have long called for action on deteriorating school buildings.
Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, echoed these sentiments, asserting that this Budget marks the beginning of significant improvements in the life chances of children. “I will never accept that any child should learn in a crumbling classroom,” she said, underlining the government’s commitment to high standards in education.
The Chancellor’s plans also encompass a broader package of measures to enhance support for children’s social care, breakfast clubs, and early years childcare. An additional £1.8 billion has been earmarked for the expansion of government-funded childcare, with a specific focus on creating new or expanded nurseries in areas most in need. Primary schools can apply for up to £150,000 from a £15 million capital fund dedicated to establishing school-based nursery provisions.
In a bid to further support parents, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, the government announced it will triple its investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million. This initiative aims to ensure that children arrive at school ready to learn, positively impacting behaviour, attendance, and academic performance.
Additionally, the government has allocated £44 million to support kinship and foster carers, recognising the importance of stable family environments for children. This funding includes a trial for a new kinship allowance in up to ten local authorities, aimed at facilitating better support for children transitioning to live with relatives. There are also plans to establish regional recruitment hubs to increase awareness and support for prospective foster parents.
Dr Lucy Peake, Chief Executive at Kinship, welcomed the government’s commitment to kinship care. “We are pleased that the Government has made a commitment to trialling a new Kinship Allowance so that more children can be raised in well-supported kinship care,” she stated, emphasising the potential for better outcomes for children in supportive family settings.
This Budget, while recognising the financial challenges facing the country, is positioned as a pivotal step towards rebuilding the nation’s educational infrastructure and supporting the next generation. With these measures, the government aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have the best start in life.