Bridget Phillipson visits Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor

Bridget Phillipson, Labour’s Shadow Secretary for Education, was given a tour of Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor, alongside Josh MacAlister, the Labour candidate for Whitehaven and Workington.

During the visit, they met with staff, children and parents and heard about the vital services provided to families in the area over the last 40 years.

Josh MacAlister and Bridget Phillipson chat with youngsters at Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Phillipson, who is the MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, said: “Josh had told me about the amazing work that’s going on here at Howgill and I wanted to come and see it for myself.

“It’s so important for families to have access to activities and to be able to meet with other parents. It can be a very isolating experience, especially given the pressures family are under at the minute, given the cost of living.

“It’s more important than ever that our youngest children get a range of opportunities and the work that is going on here is fantastic.”

Josh MacAlister and Bridget Phillipson meet parents with young children who attend activities at the centre (Image: Newsquest)

Mr MacAlister said: “The facilities here are fantastic and a great example of the strength in the community of Howgill’s contribution to parents and children in the area. It’s great to see the work that’s going on.”

When asked how a Labour government would support working families, Ms Phillipson said: “I’m determined that if Labour wins the election, we make sure that every primary school can deliver breakfast clubs.

“It makes such a big impact, not just at the start of their day but at the start of their lives. The evidence is clear about the improved attendance and academic outcomes it can deliver, as well as being a really important cost of living support for families at the moment.

Josh MacAlister and Bridget Phillipson hear from staff at Baby Basics West Cumbria which is based at the Howgill Centre (Image: Newsquest)

“Early years and access to support when our children are young is my number one priority. Josh has led some fantastic, groundbreaking work on this. The sooner we can support children, the bigger impact we can have.

“We need to prioritise our work when children are young and put education and life chances right at the heart of government. Labour will make sure education and support for children is front and centre.”

Mr MacAlister added: “All the evidence points to where we can make the biggest difference is in the early years.

Josh MacAlister and Bridget Phillipson meet some of the youngest children who attend the centre (Image: Newsquest)

“If we can narrow the attainment gap and provide the greatest opportunities to level the playing field and break down barriers at every stage, including the first stages, it means kids can move on and do well at school and open all the doors for them.

“In an area like this, it means ending a two-track economy where some people make it to Sellafield and some don’t. We’ve got to make sure those barriers are broken down.”