Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, has hit out at critics who oppose Labour’s plan to deliver educational improvements in the state sector by charging VAT on independent school fees.
“Chippy people make the change that matters”, Ms Phillipson told the Labour Party conference today (Oct 11), alluding to previous Guardian newspaper reports suggesting that Independent Schools Council (ISC) officials had described her as “very chippy” in private messages.
The newspaper revealed the messages in June as the concern over the policy was mounting at the ISC and its member schools.
The shadow education secretary added that “high and rising standards cannot just be for families who can afford them” as she revealed Labour’s plans to reform Early Years educational provision.
She added: “Conference, we know what the private schools lobby thinks of our ambition. They were arrogant enough to write it down. ‘Chippy’.
“If they or anyone else doubt my determination to deliver on our dream, then I have a message for them: chippy people make the change that matters. I will make the change that matters.”
Ms Phillipson also announced a review that would look at ways to increase the amount of primary school-based nursery provision and how to remove restrictions on local authorities from opening nurseries.
It would consider “major reform” of the Early Years workforce, Labour has said, and develop a plan for the widening of childcare eligibility promised by the Conservatives at the 2023 Budget.
The shadow education secretary also said Labour would focus on improving maths provision in primary schools and work to develop “a richer curriculum woven through with speaking, listening and digital skills.”