Amanda Spielman criticizes Labour's school reforms in England

Former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman criticized Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson for prioritizing union demands over children's needs in her school reforms. Spielman urged Phillipson to reconsider her plans, claiming they could harm the education system. The Labour government’s new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to standardize pay and conditions for all state school teachers, including those in academies. It would also require academies to follow the national curriculum and hire qualified teachers. The National Education Union supports the bill, stating it will benefit staff and students. However, Spielman warned it could reduce school autonomy, echoing concerns from Conservative leaders about union influence on Labour's education policies.