Labour believes that every child should get the best possible start in life, that they have meaningful career choices when they leave school, and that everyone should have access to lifelong learning. With decreasing funding, a shortage of school places and the proposed forced academisation, we understand that teachers and educators are under pressure, and we want to help them to ensure that every child gets a good education. Bristol Labour, if elected next month, will:

• Increase school places. School places in Bristol are under increasing pressure, and Bishopston & Ashley Down is no exception. We will work with schools to increase the number of places to meet demand.
• Ensure that children living in Bristol have the best possible start in life. We will protect Children’s Centres, increase support for the most vulnerable children and those with additional needs, undertake research and share best practice across the city’s education providers, and work to eliminate the trend of pupil outcomes being dependent on the area they live in, community they are from, or their economic background.
• Revitalise youth and play provision. We will review that Youth Links contracts to improve the range of play provision, and we will support children and young peoples’ participation in city decision making.
• Make Bristol a family friendly city. Children, young people, and their families will be at the heart of our policies.
• Maintain safeguarding and family intervention. We will preserve funding levels for these vital teams.
• Poverty proof the school day. We will maximise the funding available to support the most disadvantaged families, guarantee that all schools have a Breakfast Club, and ensure that no child goes without a meal, uniform or an educational opportunity (e.g. a trip).
• Make Bristol a city of readers. We will promote reading to people of all ages and use our libraries to ensure readers have access to a wide range of books in and out of school.
• Provide a real choice for 16 year olds. By working to ensure that a full range of A-Levels, Apprenticeships and Vocational Training is available, together with effective careers advice, we can ensure that 16 year olds are better equipped to make the best choice for them.
• Make this a learning city. By working with key institutions we will develop a holistic approach to delivering inclusive education to all young people.
• Promote lifelong learning. We will encourage the development of adult and community education and learning in Bristol.

Whilst it’s clear that the Council can’t achieve all of this alone, we will work with partners across the city to deliver the learning and skills provision that our children, young people and adults need to ensure a prosperous future. You can read more about our pledges in this and other areas in our manifesto by clicking here.

Image copyright Linda Bailey and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.