Andy Graham on School Funding and Young People

As part of our campaign for the general election 2017 the Broxbourne Liberal Democrats asked Andy Graham, our candidate, to answer some questions about a wide variety off issues facing the residents of Broxbourne. Here Andy talks about Schooling and young people.



How you have found working in Broxbourne's schools and your views on current funding levels?

As Executive director of Snap Theatre for 26 years working extensively in Hertfordshire Schools, including Goffs and Presdales in Broxbourne, with education projects that supported the needs of schools with one day residencies on Sex Education, Road Safety and literacy has made a huge impact reducing teenage pregnancy, raising standards and most of all keeping young people safe through awareness of the decisions they make in their lives and the consequences of their action.

Snap Theatre won the Prince Michael Award arising out of this work.

Funding in schools is under threat by the increase in class sizes and the overburdening on teachers to be constantly testing.. Funding levels in real terms has to be increased in order for teachers to be recruited and the professions status is recognised by taking off the cap on teachers pay and security of the pupil premium being retained to support those children who need the additional support is not squeezed by ever increasing demands on their budgets.

Education is the heart of children and young people-s future we must invest in it and support the teaching profession in doing what they know best and that is teach so that young people reach their maximum potential!
How being chair of the youth committee (and working with young people) helps you to understand the issues they are facing?

Youth forums and working with young people in youth clubs to this present time, talking to young people, listening to young people and being challenged by them have helped me realise that many young people are positive, and deserve better. The old institutions of local and national government often are so alienating that young people play less of an active role in decisions that affect them now and in the future. This must change through the need of political and social history taught in schools to help inform culture and identity together with the voting at 16 as recognition of their responsibility in the wider society. Use of technology needs a complete overhaul to ensure apps of introduced to ensure that the world of governments and the aspirations of young people are not neglected by a generation who currently govern and engage by out of date means of communication.

For more information about Andy please click the 'candidates 2017' above or send us an email at contact@broxlibdems.org.uk