On the occasion of Labour’s first year in power, West Midlands News is pleased to publish its first column from Taiwo Owatemi, MP for Coventry South and Government whip.
Supporting young people and families
As Labour marks its first year in government, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in Coventry. From investing in our hospitals to rebuilding neighbourhood policing, we’ve taken important steps to strengthen public services across the city. But what stands out most for me is the work we’ve done to support young people and families.
At the heart of this progress is the £102 million investment in Coventry’s schools – the highest basic need allocation of any local authority in the country. This funding will expand school capacity, build sustainable infrastructure through to 2028, and create 190 additional specialist school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Cov Families Hub
But supporting children starts well before they enter the classroom. That’s why Labour has committed £1.58 million to Coventry’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. This investment provides vital services like pregnancy support, infant feeding advice, and parenting classes.
After becoming a mother at the end of 2023, I truly realised how challenging it is to balance work, childcare, and everything in between – and it strengthened my commitment to campaigning for better early years support.
Free school meals
Breakfast clubs are also helping to ease the childcare burden for working parents, offering up to 95 extra hours of support per year and saving families as much as £450 annually. This year, Joseph Cash and Keresley Grange primary schools were selected as two of 750 schools as part of the early adopter phase of the national breakfast club programme. These clubs not only provide a healthy, calm start to the day but also boost attendance, behaviour, and learning – giving every child the best chance to succeed.
It’s not just primary school children that deserve this support. Next year, Labour is rolling out free school meals for every child in a household on Universal Credit, which something I’ve campaigned passionately for. Having benefited from free school meals myself, I know how vital they are – not just for nutrition, but for dignity and opportunity. This change will save families hundreds of pounds a year and ensure no child goes hungry at school.
Cov – home of Skills England
Finally, we’re creating real opportunities for teenagers and young adults. I’m proud that Coventry will be the home of Skills England, a new national body driving forward apprenticeships, training, and lifelong learning – opening doors for the next generation.
These changes are just the beginning. We’re building a fairer, stronger future for Coventry’s families.
