As the elected leader of the country, Keir Starmer has the privilege and duty of thinking about our children, not just his children (Starmer defends borrowing £18m flat as place for son to study during election, 25 September). Parents generally want the best for their children. Yet for someone entrusted with policy for our children, may I ask for some humility and checking of privilege, and how such privilege intentionally or unintentionally reproduces advantage and opportunities?
Parents want a private place for their child to revise. Yet for many, their economic and housing situation prevents them from offering this. Parents want their children to participate fully in remote learning opportunities. Yet a lack of devices, broadband speed and data bundles may restrict this. Parents want their children to not have to worry about anything else when they are in high-stakes examination situations. Yet not all young people can enjoy this gift – such as those who are in care, estranged, bereaved, battling illness or with long journeys to school vulnerable to transport failures.
May I thus invite Sir Keir to think not only about his children but our children as he undertakes the task of enhancing education and opportunities for the next generation. He can call upon many education experts across the UK who would be delighted to help co-create new thinking in this space, for the benefit of all children.
Prof Anna Mountford-Zimdars
University of Exeter
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