Labour launches 'roadshow' for National Education Service policies

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner is taking her party’s education policies, dubbed the National Education Service, on a ‘roadshow’ across England.

Labour's education reforms include a pledge to increase in funding, free adult education and the return of the Education Maintenance Allowance for 16 to 19 year-olds.

Rayner said: “Children’s services provide a lifeline to thousands of vulnerable children and families across the country, so it is incredibly worrying to see funding has fallen so dramatically in the past six years.

“The contrast between our two parties could not be clearer: today, Labour are launching a roadshow to help improve the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable children, whilst the Tories are presiding over damaging cuts, slashing support for the those that need help the most.

“Only Labour can be trusted to give every child the best start in life. Through our National Education Service we will invest in our children, halting the closures of Sure Start centres, increasing the amount of money available for Children’s Services and providing universal childcare for every 2 to 4 year old.”

Halting the closure of Sure Start centres is expected to be part of the campaign pledge.

To kick off the roadshow, today (3 April) Rayner will be accompanied by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in Swindon where all the Sure Start Centres have closed.