Priti is a strong advocate of education in her constituency and works closely with local schools to raise educational standards and outcomes for all pupils. She is clear that education is crucial to improving the lives of children and young people, and has campaigned for reforms to the funding formula and investment in special educational needs support to ensure that more resources are available locally to deliver improved pupil outcomes and attainment.
One of the main local initiatives to help improve educational standards and outcomes is Priti’s Get Witham Reading campaign, a landmark literacy initiative launched in 2012 to encourage reading and promote literacy skills among children and young people across the Witham constituency. Back in 2012, literacy levels in the constituency fell below the national average and national statistics showed that one in six pupils were leaving school without gaining the literacy skills expected of an 11-year-old.
Working with local schools across the constituency through this engaging initiative since its launch over a decade ago, Priti has helped to raise literacy standards and support pupils to achieve their potential. She is keen to build on this progress, ensuring good practice is shared among local schools and inspires more children and young people across the constituency to develop a love of reading.
Priti also supports local schools on a wide range of issues including school transport, academisation and local community engagement. She regularly visits schools across the constituency to host assemblies, as well as speaking with pupils about Parliament and her role as their local Member of Parliament.
