Trustee Baroness Estelle Morris hails Foundation's education provision after schools conference

Foundation of Light trustee Baroness Estelle Morris of Yardley hailed the Foundation of Light’s education provision as ‘absolutely key’ after attending the charity’s schools conference.

The schools conference provided senior leaders from schools across the region a chance to learn more about the education provision at Sunderland AFC’s official charity and the facilities at the Beacon of Light.

Morris, who served in parliament as Secretary of State for Education and Skills after a career as a teacher prior to becoming an MP, was impressed with what the Foundation of Light had to offer.

“It’s really good because as a trustee I tend to come to meetings and there’s a danger you don’t see the activities,” the Baroness said on her visit to the conference.

“I come to committee and trustee meetings, and we talk about things, but to have the chance to talk to teachers and those delivering the courses is really important.

“It was good to see both the professionalism of the Foundation in terms of their presentation, but also from where I was sitting or standing, I could see the reaction on the teachers’ faces, and it was very positive.

On how the Foundation of Light supports schools through the delivery of programmes such as Premier League Inspires and Primary Stars, Morris added: “I think it’s crucial.

“I think the club is a big organisation within the city, so if an organisation like this with the status and stature of Sunderland Football Club is involved in education, it gives that message that education matters.

“It’s also a great place for people to come. I’m an ex-teacher and I know how difficult it is to get children who aren’t motivated to come into school, and I just think that you have got a head start here [the Beacon of Light]. Both children and parents are much more willing to come into school.

“What happens here is absolutely key. I think the thing to remember is – a kid comes in, they do a course, or you go into a school and deliver a course – you don’t go home and think ‘I’ve changed that kid’s life.’

“You don’t see progress that quickly. It takes weeks and months, or years and lifetimes, but it is there and the evidence for that is now coming through.”

On getting a chance to see how education provisions differ now from her time as a teacher, the former Labour MP said: “I always like doing that, partly because I’m absolutely convinced that kids get a better deal now than they did when I was a teacher.

“I know teaching is tough, and I know there’s not enough money, and I know there’s a lot of accountability, all of that is true.

“But children are still getting a better deal. So, where we need to go to is trying to relieve some of those pressures from teachers but still make sure that children are getting a good standard of education.

“This sort of thing didn’t happen when I was a teacher. We didn’t have this sort of facility at Coventry City Football Club to help us.

“Coventry City Football Club now will be working with the same community that I worked with, which was an inner-city community. It heartens me really.

“I know it’s a bigger task teaching, a more difficult task, but I’m pleased that there’s this extra supporting capacity and expertise that can support the schools.”