Category Archives: Education

The Blair Government invested heavily in early years education and the Cameron Government began well by promising to retain childrens centres. That has become one more piece of this Governments hyperbole at best. The truth was that Blairs reforms did not go far enough and now the ground is being moved from under our childrens feet. No stone should be left unturned as we protect the future of our next generation.

All youth services must be treated fairly

Posted on January 30, 2018 by ianchisnall

When the Minister responsible for Sport refuses to treat matters fairly, it is surely time to challenge her in a way that goes beyond being asked a few written questions? As this question from Labour MP, Steve Reed discloses, our … Continue reading →

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Department for Education – need to plan better

Posted on January 26, 2018 by ianchisnall

Yesterday I attended the British Educational Training and Technology (BETT) Show at Excel and had a very useful discussion with a representative of the DfE who had a stand at the show. The stand was not cheap based on the other … Continue reading →

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The challenge of delivering STEM subjects

Posted on January 25, 2018 by ianchisnall

When Nicholas Soames MP chose to ask some question on the subject of STEM studies and education last week, he probably did not intend to embarrass his party as it resides in Government. However if they are not embarrassed as … Continue reading →

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A good question to ask Lloyd

Posted on January 18, 2018 by ianchisnall

Following the appointment and resignation of Toby Young for the Office for Students (OFS) the MP for Brighton Kemptown, Lloyd Russell-Moyle decided to ask a question of the Government. It went like this: “To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how … Continue reading →

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The need for Parliament to listen to Frida

Posted on January 17, 2018 by ianchisnall

Last Wednesday in the Palace of Westminster, two important people from Sussex University appeared in front of the Joint Committee on Human Rights. Adam Tickell is the Vice Chancellor and Frida Gustafsson is the President of the Students Union. They … Continue reading →

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MPs need to focus on the MicroBiz details

Posted on January 11, 2018 by ianchisnall

Tomorrow is #MicroBizMatters Day. It is a day intended to focus on the importance of businesses that employ 0-9 people or turnover up to £2m. The Company I work for falls into the second of these categories although our workforce … Continue reading →

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The problem that has not gone away

Posted on January 10, 2018 by ianchisnall

As the focus on students begins to dissipate from our newspapers following the resignation from the Office for Students of Toby Young, there are some issues that still need to be resolved. A simple resignation, even one that was opposed … Continue reading →

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A student or SME appointment is urgently needed

Posted on January 9, 2018 by ianchisnall

The reason for Toby Young’s ‘resignation’ may take some time to emerge. It was clearly not precipitated by Jo Johnson who as late as yesterday was criticising the public who were opposed to Young’s appointment as being ‘armchair critics’. As … Continue reading →

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We need Freedom of Speech in Parliament?

Posted on January 8, 2018 by ianchisnall

On Wednesday afternoon in Parliament the Joint Committee on Human rights has invited two important people from the University of Sussex to speak about Freedom of Speech at Universities. They are Frida Gustafsson, President of the Students Union and Adam … Continue reading →

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The Lesson that Toby gets to teach us all!

Posted on January 7, 2018 by ianchisnall

The guests on the Marr show earlier today included Theresa May and Jon Ashworth MP along with Fraser Nelson and Polly Toynbee who came along to help Andrew review the papers. Unfortunately one of the spaces on the sofa used … Continue reading →

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