Our children are the future. They need tools and chance to succeed
As the school term begins, DERBYSHIRE DALES MP SARAH DINES tells of the importance of making sure no child is left behind in life
OVER the past two weeks, children and teachers in Derbyshire Dales have been returning to school after the summer holiday and children are now thinking ahead to the rest of the year and what it will entail.
For my children, and me as a mother, the return to school in September was always a perfect mix of excitement and nervousness. As a parent you want your children to succeed, to be safe and for them to be happy and for children, it is the excitement and fear of the unknown; what will they learn, who will be their friends, who they are and who they want to be.
We have some absolutely fantastic schools in Derbyshire Dales, with some truly inspirational teachers, who have an incredibly difficult job and I know everyone in Derbyshire Dales will join me thanking our local teachers, support teachers and everyone else that works within a school environment. Children are the future and when they are children they are working hard to figure out who they are and who they will be.
As adults, it is our job to support young people as they grow and provide them with the opportunities to develop socially and mentally. I am passionate about making sure our young people are given the tools and opportunities to do well. For me, this means having access to education and jobs, a healthy economy and a system that picks people up and helps them when they need it.
There are some brilliant organisations and charities across Derbyshire Dales working alongside the local council and central government to make sure these things are in place, and that no young person is left behind. When I was young, my family were supported and this help, alongside a lot of hard work, helped me to pursue a career as a barrister and enabled me to embrace public service as your Member of Parliament.
I want to make sure every young person that has a dream for their future is able to access the support needed to see it fulfilled.
Whilst thinking about our young people, it is impossible not to think of the children in Afghanistan and the difficulties and fear many of them will be facing. Operation Warm Welcome is a huge effort across government to make sure those fleeing Afghanistan are able to make a success of a new life in the UK.
The stability of indefinite leave, the security of access to healthcare and the opportunity of education are the foundation upon which those resettled to the UK can build.
These steps will give children and young adults the best start in life and the government is prioritising additional school places so children can be enrolled as soon as possible, and to provide school transport, specialist teachers and English language support to assist with learning. It is absolutely right the UK looks after people fleeing Afghanistan, who have supported us there for many years.
I do understand residents’ concerns regarding illegal immigration and those that have concerns regarding the number of migrants crossing the channel, and I share a desire with many of my colleagues for this route to be closed.
Collaboration with France is clearly essential, and I do welcome the fact that the French authorities are stopping boats from coming to the UK. However, the number crossing is still unacceptable and therefore I will continue to push the Government to ensure that both UK and French authorities take action on all fronts.
To all our young people, if you are starting back at school, good luck, I hope you have a fantastic school term.