Education Secretary visits Exeter to highlight new childcare and school plans

Education Secretary and Labour Deputy Leadership candidate Bridget Phillipson MP visited Exeter this week to highlight the Government’s commitment to improving opportunities for children and families.

On Tuesday, 7 October, Ms. Phillipson joined local councillors Matt Vizard and Phil Bialyk, along with Exeter’s MP Steve Race, to meet residents in the Newtown and St Leonard’s area. 

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After meeting headteachers at Sandy Park in the morning, Ms. Phillipson spent the afternoon in Exeter’s Newton ward speaking with residents alongside local councillors and MP Steve Race.

The visit formed part of her campaign for Labour’s deputy leadership but also centred on the Government’s “Best Start in Life” strategy,  a programme aiming to expand childcare, improve school facilities, and support families through new investment.

Speaking in Exeter, Ms. Phillipson said her priority was to ensure every child has access to the same opportunities, regardless of background. 

She pointed to measures already underway, including free breakfast clubs, funded childcare, and the revival of Sure Start-style services. 

Ms Phillipson stressed that Labour’s plan is about fairness, giving Exeter’s children the start they deserve. 

For Exeter families, these changes are already making a difference. 

Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said these initiatives are already making a difference locally. He said: “The expansion of free school meals to an extra 3,000 Exeter children, new funding for primary schools, and the roll-out of 30 hours’ funded childcare means families here are seeing the benefits.”

Local councillor Matt Vizard also welcomed the visit, noting recent investment in Newtown Primary School as a sign of change after what he described as “years of Tory decline.”

Exeter Labour members recently nominated Ms. Phillipson in the race for the party’s deputy leadership. 

During her visit, Ms. Phillipson spoke with families and local representatives about issues including school meals, childcare and other local education concerns.