Parliament returned from the Christmas recess this week with the Government's Bills on the Crown Estate and Children's Wellbeing and Schools having their second reading debates. Inevitably there were many MPs wanted to contribute to the education debate on Wednesday, and it was not the easiest of Chambers.
I had a great deal of sympathy with the Shadow Minister, who spoke very emotionally of the inspirational teachers at his 6th form college some years ago. Over the last couple of months I have been highlighting to Government Ministers the importance of the 6th form sector, which I firmly believe we benefit from in Hampshire. This constituency is well-served by Barton Peveril, Peter Symonds', Brockenhurst College, Richard Taunton and other colleges, but many other parts of the country have 11-18 through schools and the whole concept of a separate 6th form college is unusual. I am sure that is a significant part of the reason why they are funded differently, and that in itself is causing challenges for the sector here.
Of course there are many different models of post 16 education, and it was great to attend an event this week where the benefit of apprenticeships was being firmly advocated. Local employers, including Leonardo and BAE Systems, had brought some of their apprentices (both current and former) to Parliament and the all spoke passionately about the benefits apprenticeships had offered them.
This Friday looks like a very busy constituency day, with surgery appointments, a visit to Southampton Airport, a chance to chat support to cancer patients with MacMillan at Boots in Romsey, a trip to the roundabout cafe in Swaythling and then Appleshaw Parish Council. Hopefully the snow will hold off and the roads will be navigable, if not it will be back to zoom meetings!