, ,

500 New Free Breakfast Clubs rolled out including in Erith and Thamesmead

The government has proudly launched another round of 500 free breakfast clubs for schools across the country this week.

Today, I am delighted to confirm that Linton Mead Primary School in our constituency of Erith and Thamesmead has joined Jubilee Primary and Willow Bank Primary as flagship free breakfast clubs.

These clubs aim to ease the cost-of-living on families and ensure that our community’s children get the best possible start to their day, and ultimately, their education.  

Now, more families and children will benefit from lower living costs and stronger guarantees that their children are getting a healthy and balanced diet as a part of their education. Setting our nation’s children up for the best chance in life, while easing the financial stress on their families. Allowing parents easier mornings and more time for what matters to them, family.  

This expands the scheme to almost 700 children in Erith and Thamesmead and is implemented alongside other government measures to ease the cost of living and stress on working families. Like 30 hours of government-funded childcare, free school meals, and lowering uniform costs for kids in disadvantaged backgrounds. Helping our children get the best start in life and allowing their parents to work and live more comfortably knowing their family is properly supported.  

Research shows us that a healthy and balanced breakfast plays a key role in a child’s behaviour, attendance, and academic ability. So, these provisions mean even more children in Erith and Thamesmead will be ready to learn and grow. 

Last year, I celebrated the initial rollout of free breakfast clubs in Jubilee and Willow Bank with the students enrolled in the scheme. I got to hear from them how it would help them and their families. And I am so pleased to see the scheme expanded and cannot wait to visit Linton Mead to experience first-hand the positive impact that this action brings.  

, , , ,

Abena hosts Minister for School Standards and local headteachers to hear views on Labour’s plans for SEND reform

This Tuesday, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, hosted a roundtable with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP, alongside local headteachers and education leaders to discuss the Labour Government’s plans to reform support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The discussion brought together over 20 representatives from mainstream and special schools, trusts and colleges across the constituency, alongside Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group. The event was held at London South East Colleges’ Greenwich Campus in Plumstead.

The roundtable focused on how the government’s proposed reforms can improve outcomes for children with SEND, drawing on the frontline experience of local education leaders. Attendees shared insights into the challenges facing schools, including workforce pressures, funding, and ensuring effective support for children both with and without Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Participants emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between mainstream and specialist settings, as well as improving pathways into post-16 education and training.

The discussion forms part of ongoing engagement by the local MP, Abena Oppong-Asare, and Government to ensure local voices help shape the government’s approach to SEND reform.

The Labour Government’s plans aim to place inclusion at the heart of the education system and ensure every child can access the support they need. Proposed reforms include introducing tailored support plans for every child who needs additional help, and expanding teacher training to better support children with SEND, backed by £200 million investment.

The reforms come as the current SEND system continues to struggle to meet demand. Children with SEND are twice as likely to be persistently absent from school, while only 46% of EHCPs were completed within the 20-week target in 2025.

Closing the discussion, Local MP Abena Oppong-Asare highlighted her plans to feed into the ongoing SEND consultation using feedback gathered from the local education leaders present, as well as her wider engagement with parents, carers, SEND providers, and local authorities.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“I know from speaking to parents, carers and schools across my constituency that support for children with SEND is a top priority. That’s why I’m delighted that this Labour government is tackling the SEND crisis head on.

“It was a pleasure to host the Schools Minister as we welcomed over 20 representatives from mainstream and special schools, trusts and colleges from across Erith and Thamesmead, to come together to share their experiences and help shape a more inclusive education system.

“These reforms must ensure that children with SEND get the right support earlier, when and where they need it, without parents having to fight to get the better education – and the results – their kids deserve.

“I’m committed to working with local education providers and local parents to feed into this consultation to ensure we build a system that works for all.”

School Standards Minister Georgia Gould MP said:

“We’ve promised to put parents, young people, teachers and practitioners at the heart of building a new SEND system.

“That’s why sessions like this are so important and a huge thank you to Abena and London South East Colleges for facilitating. It was great to learn from those around the table about best practice in supporting children with SEND in early years, schools and colleges.

“This is once in a generation opportunity to transform the SEND system so please do share your thoughts through our consultation so we can collectively build a system that enables every child with SEND to achieve and thrive.”

Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Royal Borough of Greenwich said:

“I’m really grateful to Abena Oppong-Asare MP for bringing us together for this week’s SEND roundtable discussion with Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP.

“It was a genuinely valuable conversation with education partners from across Erith and Thamesmead.”

Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group (incorporating London South East Colleges and London South East Academies Trust) said:

“We were delighted to host this event, which provided a valuable opportunity to bring frontline experience directly into the SEND reform conversation. Those of us working across schools and colleges offer vital insight into how we can build a more inclusive system for all learners.

“Sharing this expertise with policymakers is essential to ensuring children and young people remain at the heart of decision-making – which is very much our shared aim and responsibility.

We are grateful to the Schools Minister and to our local MP, Abena Oppong-Asare, for hosting this week’s event, and to all the attendees for their meaningful contributions. We look forward to continuing this work together, as strong local and national collaboration will be key to delivering sustainable improvements.”

Photos from Event:

, , , ,

Share Your Voice: Online Safety for Young People in Erith and Thamesmead

Protecting children from harm online is a priority for the Government and for me.

Work is already underway to create a safer digital environment for young people, including closing loopholes in the Online Safety Act that allowed illegal AI-generated images and introducing new powers to respond quickly to emerging technologies. 

You may have seen that the Government is also exploring – and will soon consult on – proposals to restrict or ban social media use for under-16s, alongside other measures to improve online safety. 

I am seeking the views of residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency on this important issue. Your feedback will help ensure local voices are represented in my discussions with the Government.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is open to parents, teachers, carers, and all residents. 

Please note that a separate, pupil-specific survey has been created for young people in Erith and Thamesmead. This survey is being shared directly with schools and youth groups to ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

If you are a young person who has not received the survey through your school, or a parent/carer requesting access, please contact my office at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk, and we will be happy to provide the details.

Your views will play a meaningful role in shaping my engagement with the government on this issue, and I look forward to hearing your perspective. 



, , , ,

Another Local School Set to Benefit from Free Breakfast Club, Confirms Erith and Thamesmead MP

More families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs as the Labour government confirms the next 500 schools to offer the scheme from April, including Linton Mead Primary School, putting up to £450 a year back in local parents’ pockets.

It represents a campaign win for Erith and Thamesmead’s Labour Member of Parliament, Abena Oppong-Asare, who has encouraged all local schools to apply to join the scheme. As a result, 647 children in their constituency will be able to access a nutritious meal at the start of the day.

This announcement comes less than a year since Oppong-Asare welcomed the initial roll out of free breakfast clubs at Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School, both based in her constituency. She was delighted to visit both of these breakfast clubs since their launch and spoke with teachers, parents, and students about the positive impact these clubs are already having on their lives.

The clubs come alongside a raft of measures driven forward by Labour to cut the cost of living for families in Erith and Thamesmead, including expanding free school meals, rolling out 30 hours of government-funded childcare, bringing down school uniform costs and securing the future of Best Start holiday clubs.

Delivering on promises made to working parents in Labour’s manifesto, all primary aged children attending Linton Mead Primary School will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare, every day, helping to support parents getting into work.

Universal Best Start free breakfast clubs are central to Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn – with research showing the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment.

The scheme plays a role in Labour’s moral mission to tackle child poverty, with the government on track to secure the biggest reduction in child poverty within a single parliament. By targeting support, Labour’s clubs will reach half a million pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities. This will provide an essential meal to ensure every child starts the day ready to learn.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:

“Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.

“Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.

“Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I am so happy to announce that Linton Mead Primary School has been selected as one of Labour’s Best Start free breakfast clubs and I cannot wait to see the club open in April.

“It’s a testament to both the school and the Labour government’s dedication to getting children school-ready so they are able to improve their attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as improving the household finances of local families.

“Through our Plan for Change, this Labour government is boosting parents’ work choices and children’s life chances.”


Photos from Past Free Breakfast Club Visits at Jubilee and Willow Bank Primary Schools:

, ,

Bexley Families to Benefit from £150,259 Labour Government Investment

MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has today celebrated the great win announced to bring family and community services back to Bexley.

Having been elected on a manifesto to transform life chances by improving children’s start in life, Abena Oppong-Asare MP has pressed the Labour government to ‘rebuild’ Sure Start style services in Bexley – an area lacking in any provision of this type following cuts to services following the election of the Conservatives in 2010. That left thousands of parents cut off from vital community support networks and specialist services – left to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone – as well as a devastating impact on children’s life chances, with early development, wellbeing and future attainment all in jeopardy.

Yesterday (14 October), the Labour government announced grants provided to local authorities to ensure every community has a Best Start Family Hub. 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs are to be rolled out across the country by April 2026 to provide wide-ranging help for families, such as parenting and early development – including £150,259 in Bexley.

Labour’s Best Start Family Hubs will act as a one stop shop for parents seeking a range of support, including on difficulty breastfeeding, housing issues or children’s early development and language, reassuring families that they have convenient access to support in their local area or can be efficiently connected to specialist local services.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

“It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.

“I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life, and as part of our Plan for Change, we’re building on its legacy for the next generation of children.  

“Making sure hard-working parents are able to benefit from more early help is a promise made, and promise kept – delivering a lifeline of consistent support across the nation, ensuring health, social care and education work in unison to ensure all children get the best start in life.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I’m so pleased that my commitment at the General Election to bring back family services to Bexley has been a success, helping to give local children the best start in life.

“This is the difference a Labour MP working with a Labour government can do for children and families in our area.

“This £150,259 investment to open a local Best Start family hub will be transformative – alongside government-funded childcare and new free breakfast clubs right here in our community, we are delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Bexley’s new Best Start Family Hub will complement the Labour Government’s wider efforts to make family life easier and ease pressure on parents — including expanding free childcare to 30 hours, extending school-based nursery places, and introducing free breakfast clubs in every primary school.

Earlier this year, the first phase of the breakfast club rollout included two local schools in Erith and Thamesmead — Jubilee Primary and Willow Bank Primary. Abena Oppong-Asare MP recently visited pupils taking part in these clubs and heard first-hand how valuable a good start to the day can be.

September also saw the launch of the Labour government’s digital service, www.beststartinlife.gov.uk, a new national digital hub linked NHS services to offer trusted advice and connect to support.

, , ,

Abena Oppong-Asare MP Hosts Record-Breaking Campaign Summer School for Young Changemakers

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, hosted her annual Campaign Summer School this July – an inspiring three-day event aimed at empowering local young people to get involved in politics, build campaigning skills, and make their voices heard.

Held from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July at London South East Colleges’ (LSEC) Greenwich Campus in Plumstead, the Summer School welcomed close to 30 local students – a record number for the initiative. The programme featured expert-led sessions from across the political, media, business, and local government sectors, offering participants a unique, hands-on insight into how change happens.

This year’s active agenda included:

  • “From petition to national campaign” with Tampon Tax activists Laura Coryton MBE and Rima Amin
  • “Trailblazer in the Corporate World” with BBC’s The Apprentice star Chisola Chitambala
  • “Local Government and Community Leadership” with Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council, and Martin Angus, Political Adviser at the Local Government Association
  • “The Role of Media and Local Journalism” with Aletha Adu (The Guardian) and Darryl Chamberlain (Greenwich Wire)

The event was generously sponsored by Oscar Mayer, one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers, and Ocado Retail, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket – both of which play an active role in the local community.

After the Campaign Summer School, Abena Oppong-Asare MP is launching a new LinkedIn Network to bring together students, speakers, and her network in one shared space. The aim is to keep the conversation going – sharing ideas, life updates, and campaign efforts to drive positive change in the community.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“It was a real pleasure to host my annual Campaign Summer School once again here in Erith and Thamesmead constituency.

“We welcomed so many talented and motivated local students, all eager to get a head start on their future careers and to learn how to make a difference in their local communities and beyond.

“This year’s Summer School was our biggest yet, date and I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved. A huge thank you to the students, speakers and sponsors who it such a success. I’m already looking forward to next year!”

One 2025 Campaign Summer School graduate, shared:

“I am hugely grateful for the experience as I gained political insight through learning about the role of an MP, and what it’s like working with an MP in a constituency office.

“It has also allowed me to create a larger network of other determined, driven and ambitious individuals that I’m sure are as inspired by Abena’s selflessness to leave her busy schedule to be with us as I am.

“It’s been a true pleasure to be a part of this event, and I can’t wait for the next!”

Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group CEO at London South East Colleges (LSEC) said:

“We were absolutely delighted to host this fantastic Summer School at our Greenwich Campus once again.

“Supporting opportunities like this for local young people is central to our civic mission as an education group – empowering and inspiring them to get their voices heard and achieve their ambitions.”

Oscar Mayer, sponsor of the Campaign Summer School, added:

“Oscar Mayer is incredibly proud to sponsor and support the 2025 Summer School hosted by Abena Oppong-Asare MP at London Southeast Colleges in Greenwich, an inspiring initiative that gives young people real-world insights into careers, confidence-building, and the skills employers are looking for.

“As part of the programme, Oscar Mayer’s Head of Talent & Development, Steve Beadle, led a session titled Public Relations in the Working World and the Food Industry. The session explored how personal branding, communication, and professional values are increasingly essential in today’s workforce, particularly in fast-moving, reputation-driven industries like food manufacturing.

“The company extends its thanks to Abena Oppong-Asare MP and London Southeast Colleges for organising such an impactful programme, and to the students whose energy and enthusiasm made the event such a success.”

Abena Oppong-Asare MP looks forward to welcoming even more young changemakers to next year’s Campaign Summer School, continuing her mission to build a more engaged, informed, and empowered generation.


Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

, , ,

Visit to London South East Colleges (LSEC) Greenwich Campus

Had a great visit to LSEC’s Greenwich Campus in Plumstead this month.

The redevelopment of the college looks great with lots of local history thoughtfully incorporated.

It was also lovely to take part in a question-and-answer session with their ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students – hearing their stories was very inspiring.

Thanks to the whole LSEC team for their warm welcome.


Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

, , ,

Unveiling the new Children’s section at Abbey Wood Memorial Garden

Honoured to unveil the new Children’s section and plaque at Abbey Wood Memorial Garden.

The garden, entirely volunteer-run under the dedicated leadership of Secretary John O’Rourke, has been 11 years in the making.

It was a privilege to join the team, local community, and veterans for such a meaningful occasion.

Congratulations to John and all involved on this remarkable achievement.


Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

, , ,

Abena Oppong-Asare MP Welcomes Labour’s Free School Meals Expansion Plan for Thousands of Erith and Thamesmead Children

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead has today (Friday 6 June) come out in support of the Labour government’s plans to deliver a free nutritious meal every school day for over half a million more children, as Labour puts £500 back into parents’ pockets every year by expanding eligibility for free school meals.  

This news comes after the successful launch of free breakfast clubs earlier this year, including at local primary schools in Erith and Thamesmead. Abena Oppong-Asare MP was delighted to visit one of these schools – Jubilee Primary School – to witness firsthand the positive difference the breakfast clubs are already making for local pupils and their families.

This announcement now means from the start of the 2026 school year, every pupil in Erith and Thamesmead whose household is on Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to free school meals. This will make life easier and more affordable for parents who struggle the most, delivering on Labour’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity and give children the best start in life. 

The unprecedented expansion will lift 100,000 children across England completely out of poverty. Giving children the access to a nutritious meal during the school day also leads to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes – meaning they get the best possible education and chance to succeed in work and life. 

The expansion will mean half a million more free lunches across England, on top of the 3 million already dished out every day – bringing the numbers up towards 8,880 right here in Erith and Thamesmead constituency.

Since 2018, children have only been eligible for free school meals if their household income is less than £7,400 per year, meaning hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty has been unable to access free school meals. 

Labour’s historic new expansion to those on Universal Credit will change this and comes ahead of the Child Poverty Taskforce publishing its ten-year-strategy to drive sustainable change later this year. It comes on top of targeted support for families being hit the hardest with the cost-of-living crisis, with urgent action including raising the national minimum wage, uprating benefits and supporting 700,000 families through the Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions. 


Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Working parents across the country are working tirelessly to provide for their families but are being held back by cost-of-living pressures.

“My government is taking action to ease those pressures. Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn.

“This expansion is a truly historic moment for our country, helping families who need it most and delivering our Plan for Change to give every child, no matter their background, the same chance to succeed.”


Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“It is the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty, and today this government takes a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents’ pockets.

“From free school meals to free breakfast clubs, breaking the cycle of child poverty is at the heart of our Plan for Change to cut the unfair link between background and success.

“We believe that background shouldn’t mean destiny. Today’s historic step will help us to deliver excellence everywhere, for every child and give more young people the chance to get on in life.”


Labour is also offering more than £13 million in funding to 12 food charities across England to redistribute thousands of tonnes of fresh produce directly from farms to fight food poverty in communities.

The Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme is helping farms and organisations to work collaboratively to ensure edible food that might have been left in fields instead ends up on the plates of those who need it, including schoolchildren. This comes as part of Labour’s wider Food Strategy, helping to drive change and support a healthier, more sustainable and resilient food system.


Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

“Poverty robs children of opportunities and damages their future prospects. This is a moral scar on our society we are committed to tackling.

“By expanding Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit, we’re ending the impossible choice thousands of our hardest grafting families must make between paying bills and feeding their children.

“This is just the latest step of our Plan for Change to put extra pounds in people’s pockets – a downpayment on our Child Poverty Strategy, building on our expansion of free breakfast clubs, our national minimum wage boost and our cap on Universal Credit deductions through the Fair Repayment Rate.”


Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I know from speaking directly to local parents how much the stain of child poverty has impacted families in Erith and Thamesmead. 

“That’s why I fully support this decisive and much needed action to expand the entitlement for free school meals to thousands of children across Erith and Thamesmead, lifting many out of poverty and putting money back in parents’ pockets. 

“Children deserve the best start in life, and I’m proud that Labour is delivering this through its Plan for Change.”


To ensure quality and nutrition in meals for the future, Labour is also acting quickly with experts across the sector to revise the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.

This new entitlement will apply to children in all settings where free school meals are currently delivered, including schools, school-based nurseries and Further Education settings. We expect the majority of schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year 2026, by providing their National Insurance Number to check their eligibility.

Schools and local authorities will continue to receive pupil premium and home to school transport extended rights funding based on the existing free school meals threshold. 

This is just the latest step in Labour’s Plan for Change to break the unfair link between background and opportunity, including rolling out free breakfast clubs, expanding government funded childcare to 30 hours a week for working parents and commitment to cap the number of branded school uniform items.

From April 2026 until the end of parliament, millions of households are set to receive a permanent yearly above inflation boost to Universal Credit. The increase, a key element of the Government’s welfare reforms to be laid before Parliament, will tackle the destitution caused by years of inaction that has left the value of the standard allowance at a 40 year low by the early 2020s.


, , ,

Abena Oppong-Asare MP Celebrates Labour’s Vital Investment in Repairs at Five Erith and Thamesmead Schools

Pupils in Erith and Thamesmead are set to benefit from essential maintenance fixes being rolled out in schools across the country thanks to the Labour government, with up to £110.3 million being invested in schools across London alone through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).

Children at these local schools will benefit from a share of £470 million for projects in education and healthcare settings, set to fix crumbling roofs and remove dangerous asbestos – restoring pride in England’s classrooms and undoing years of dangerous Conservative neglect.

The five schools in Erith and Thamesmead that will benefit from the fund include:

  • Christ Church (Erith) Church of England Primary School
  • Shooters Hill Sixth Form College
  • St Augustine of Canterbury Church of England Primary School
  • Trinity Church of England School, Belvedere
  • Windrush Thamesmead Primary School

These schools will benefit from a range of essential upgrades, including urgent fire safety improvements, modern heating systems, and other critical infrastructure repairs. This will ensure local pupils are kept warm, safe, and in the best possible environment for learning.

The funding is part of Labour’s mission to fix the dire state of public services inherited from the Conservatives and deliver investment and reform through the Plan for Change, supporting children to get the best start in life.

It is part of a record £2.1 billion investment into the school estate this year – £300 million more than the previous year – as Labour forges on with delivering for the public by investing in our children, their futures and the future of this country.


MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, said:

“Parents across Erith and Thamesmead will remember the terror of the RAAC crisis, the fear that children were no longer safe in their own school because of years of Tory neglect.

“Labour is turning the page through our Plan for Change, literally fixing the foundations of our schools so local children are in a safe environment where the can achieve and thrive.

“Having spoken directly to many schools in our community, I know just how urgently these improvements are needed. These upgrades will make a real difference to staff, pupils, and the future of our local schools.

“With free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniform costs and safer schools, Labour is setting children up for the best start.”


Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough.

“Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.

“This investment is about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.”


Labour’s investment will deliver energy efficient, warm classrooms with safe outdoor spaces that are not just fit for lessons, but for the future. Creating a welcoming and supportive school environment for generations of children so they can achieve and thrive as they progress through their education.

A further £1.4 billion will back the acceleration of the School Rebuilding Programme this year, with a commitment to kickstart projects at 100 schools this year alone, as Labour seeks to fix the foundations of our school estate.

Rejuvenating schools by delivering new, high-quality buildings that are not just energy efficient but fit for all pupils needs.

This will provide high-tech facilities that will raise the standards of education through new sports halls, IT rooms, school kitchens and playgrounds that children and staff can enjoy for years to come.

Projects will be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.