Steve helps parents at Paxton Academy

Steve Reed MP stepped in to help parents and pupils at the newly opened Paxton Primary Academy in Thornton Heath.   The Croydon North MP held a special advice session at the school after the head teacher contacted his office with concerns about students facing homelessness or being moved to the other side of London, and parents struggling with visa chaos at the Home Office.

Mr Reed met parents after they’d dropped off their children and took up issues on their behalf with the council’s housing service and the Home Office.

Speaking outside the school, Steve Reed MP said, “For many of the parents here at Paxton Academy, the cost-of-living crisis is really hitting home. Unaffordable and insecure tenancies combined with a school places crisis means many parents are struggling.  I met one family who have to travel for nearly two hours across London every morning just to get to school, and another where a family of three have been rehoused in a bedsit after their landlord put their home up for sale.   For very young children this level of disruption and insecurity makes it nearly impossible for them to learn.  It’s simply not acceptable.”

He continued:  “Meeting these parents this morning has underlined why people in Croydon need a change of government.   The Tories have sat by and done nothing.  Only Labour is offering secure three-year tenancies, more affordable housing, and school places in the areas where people live so children don’t have to spend hours on the move every day.”