Bradford College principal on Government's Levelling Up White Paper

The paper contains a number of promises with measurable outcomes, but it's widely reported that the funding to support these initiatives isn’t ‘new’ money. It is re-circulated money already earmarked for this area. So my first thoughts are, lots of new words, not backed up by any new investment.

There are many commitments set out, including a national food strategy, a focus on safer streets, tackling violence and anti-social behaviours and I'm pleased to see a more holistic approach to a levelling up agenda. But the devil is in the detail!For example, Bradford is named one of 55 communities where the Government will increase investment in schools, stating “education will be at the heart of major new reforms” to give “every child and adult the skills they need to fulfil their potential, no matter where they live”. The report continues “…the government is committed to establishing specialist sixth form free schools that will ensure talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the highest standard of education the country can offer.”

My first reaction was not to think about the benefits on those ‘lucky TALENTED’ children, but to worry about those the Government thinks are talentless and not worthy of investment. How can a policy claiming to be levelling up leave so many behind? I’ve worked in education for over 20 years, tirelessly working to ensure we never leave anyone behind. I oppose the idea of specialist sixth form free schools designed to service an elite. What is needed is a universally ‘outstanding’ inclusive, free, accessible education system.

The report also says "the number of people successfully completing high-quality skills training will have significantly increased in every area of the UK. In England, this will lead to 200,000 more successfully completing high-quality skills training annually, driven by 80,000 more people completing courses in the lowest skilled areas.” Current Bradford skills levels lag behind the national averages by 10%. More is needed to support adult skills development in our city and region. However, funding for adult skills in real terms steadily decreased during the last decade and there is little on the horizon to suggest any additional funding in the next few years. Greater investment is needed, especially in regions that have become the most deprived over the last 40 years. So, I feel this paper does not go far enough to have any desired impact. But I continue to be committed to working with those that set and influence policy, because I can’t afford not to. There is too much at stake for those I serve through our College.

* BRADFORD College’s Progression to Learning and Work team joined forces with Purple Patch Arts and other organisations to stage a Transition Event. The event offered information about organisations offering progression routes, advice and guidance to students aged 16 and over who have special educational needs and disabilities as well as those with Education, Health and Care Plans. Parents and carers joined the students to learn more about ways to develop skills and gain qualifications.

Purple Patch Arts aims to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people through providing innovative, inclusive, creative learning experiences for them and the professionals who support them. Visitors founds out about the School of Rock and Media, which supports people from all backgrounds and abilities into music and arts careers. Also at the event was Magpies Outreach service, supporting adults with learning disabilities to do things they enjoy in their community, including shopping, accessing paid and voluntary work and managing money, International Mixed Ability Sports, MENCAP, NEET and Specialist Autism Services, Volunteering Bradford and Project SEARCH which held engaging workshops for visitors. There was also chance to meet the college’s SEND and Additional Learning Support Team. Visit bradfordcollege.ac.uk/progression-to-learning-and-work/

* SANA Kousar, who came to Bradford from Spain, has her sights set on being a neurosurgeon after taking A-levels at Bradford College. Sana, who is studying Medicine at Keele University, came here with her sister Ramsha in 2017, and started at Bradford College studying English for Speakers of Other Languages. She was part of Shakespeare Club, helping students develop speaking and writing, and took part in the Gold Arts Awards, a partnership with Bradford Theatres, joining the RSC Youth Advisory Board. Sana, who has A-levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, said: “When I moved to this country, I was unsure what my options would be. I was very grateful to do A-levels. The teachers were there for me. I want to specialise in neurology and eventually become a brain surgeon. It all began at Bradford College.” Book for the A-level Open Event on Thursday, February 17, at eventbrite.co.uk

* KAY Rigby will be keeping a children’s charity close to her heart, and her head, when she takes on a sponsored head shave next month.

Kay, Attendance and Administration Assistant for Early Years, Social Care & Progression at Bradford College, is having her head shaved to a Grade 3 on Wednesday, February 16 to raise funds for Cash For Kids, which helps children and young people affected by poverty, illness and other issues. The charity works with grass-roots organisations that aim to make a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.

Shaving Kay’s head, in the college’s David Hockney Building, will be Hair and Beauty Lecturer Hayley Brogden.

Support Kay on her Just Giving page page: Bradford College | Charity Champions | Pulse 1 and Greatest Hits Radio West and North Yorkshire Cash for Kids