Matthew Taylor

Liberal Democrats | Truro and St Austell

LOCAL MP HOSTS SMALL SCHOOLS GROUPS IN WESTMINSTER

Truro and St Austell MP, Matthew Taylor, today hosted the National Small Schools’ Forum (NSSF) and National Association for Small Schools (NASS) in Westminster, where they met with other MPs to discuss support for small schools as well as the vital service they provide in small rural communities.

With many small schools in his own constituency, Mr Taylor has long supported and recognised the role of small schools in rural communities, where they provide a social keystone. However, many small schools are under threat of closure due to falling rolls and difficulties in recruiting teachers – an issue which Mr Taylor believes has not been adequately addressed in the Government’s recent Education Bill. But in the face of threats, many small schools have started to work together to provide a more efficient service.

Arranged to mark Small Schools’ Week, the NSSF and NASS, presented MPs with evidence that small schools have a particularly high academic success rate.

Commenting afterwards, Matthew Taylor MP said:

“It was a pleasure to meet with the NSSF today and hear their informed opinions about how Government can do more for small schools. I know many small school success stories in my constituency alone, and I’m sure there are thousands of small schools throughout the country providing fantastic teaching and facilities for children.

“Small schools are part of the glue which binds rural communities together. Without them communities loose one of their vital meeting grounds, not to mention all the friendships formed between children, parents and staff.

National Small Schools’ Forum Chairman, Mike Carter added:

“Matthew is a great champion for small schools, which need a strong, united voice to be heard in Government. Having the opportunity to meet with MPs directly is a vital part of our campaign to make sure that small schools’ interests are not neglected during this period of huge change in the education system.”

Matthew Taylor and Mike Carter