Lucy Frazer MP today attended an 'Opportunity Areas' meeting with representatives from the education sector in East Cambridgeshire and Fenland and from the Department of Education. East Cambridgeshire and Fenland is one of only 12 areas nationally to be awarded an Opportunity Area Fund which means it has been identified as an area particularly challenged when it comes to social mobility and the extra funding made available is to help address these challenges.
At the meeting today a broad range of issues were identified which could benefit from the funding ranging from school transport to mental health to parental engagement and teacher recruitment. It was an opportunity for all involved to have their say whether it be on issues in need of addressing or ideas on how to address such issues.
The groups also discussed what measures might help in improving social mobility. A plan will be drafted as to how best to utilise the funds available and this will be put to the Secretary of State for approval by the end of the summer.
Lucy Frazer MP said "This was a very energised and productive first meeting since our area was announced as an Opportunity Area and I look forward to engaging further with the team as the proposals are developed over the next few months."