Fighting for young people and families

Young people have borne the brunt of the pandemic and I am determined that their futures should be prioritised in the recovery period. I will:

  • Continue to lead my campaign in Parliament for reduced Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times and better services for children with autism and other special educational needs;
  • Campaign for more mental health and special educational needs support in schools to build up children’s confidence and resilience as they return to school;
  • Lobbying central government for more funding for West Berkshire's education and youth services. 

And in my fight for families I have: 

  • Worked with other MPs on a campaign for improved childcare and secured a £4 billion Government investment in childcare;
  • Campaigned on improved flexible working rights;
  • Supported local cultural facilities - such as The Watermill Theatre and the Waterside Centre - to protect West Berkshire's varied opportunities;
  • Ensured that families and households are supported during the rising cost of living. 

I have also worked tirelessly to welcome and support the Ukrainian families that have relocated to West Berkshire and made our community their home as a result of the war in Ukraine.

News

Laura welcomes new SEND investment

The Department for Education announced new investment of £850 million to create more places for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and in Alternative Provision (AP) in mainstream and special schools. This includes £1,718,506 for West Berkshire. Laura said:

Laura welcomes childcare expansion

Watch Laura's video ahead of the first phase of the Government's childcare expansion here.

From April, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can receive 15 hours of free childcare a week.

Newbury Weekly News: Spring Budget

In my last article, I said I wanted to see measures in the Budget to support working families. Therefore I was delighted by the announcements in last week’s Budget targeted at just this, particularly the massive set of reforms to make child benefit fairer for half a million people.

Laura visits Cold Ash Pre-School

Laura recently visited Cold Ash Pre-School in Thatcham to meet with the staff and children.

Speaking about the visit, Laura said:

Newbury Weekly News: Education & Health

This week, Newbury College will hold its “Destinations Expo” – an annual careers fair targeted at school leavers showcasing the best local employers from high-tech to retail, defence to public service. Some of those jobs will require an academic degree, some will require apprenticeships.

Laura speaks in the Opposition Day Debate on Safety of School Buildings

This week Laura contributed to the Opposition Half Day Debate on Safety of School Buildings.

In her speech, Laura praised the Government's record on education since 2010 and the funding that schools in West Berkshire have received to improve school buildings and facilities. 

Newbury Weekly News: Campaigns & Priorities

The final debate of the parliamentary year - now called The Sir David Amess Debate after its most loyal attendee - is an opportunity for MPs to set out their aspirations for their constituencies over the year ahead.

Laura meets with Time to Talk

Laura recently met with Georgina, Geoff and Tracey from Time to Talk to hear more about their important work in supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people, and discussed how their outreach can be expanded across schools in West Berkshire.

Laura said: 

Newbury Weekly News: Education

Last week the Government announced it would be accepting the recommendations of the independent pay review body for many public sector workers.