Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire. It was lovely to be able to visit two of our fantastic schools this week – Theale CE Primary on Thursday, along with the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, and on Friday I popped into The Avenue School in Tilehurst. And there was great news on NHS waiting lists this week, with a fall of 86,000 in November meaning that they are now down by 312,000 since the General Election.
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School visits
On Thursday I had a lovely visit to Theale Church of England Primary School, with the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson. It was great to chat with Headteacher Catherine Morley and SENCO Katy Higgs and to get to see some of the activities that were taking place including some wonderful violin playing.
The Secretary of State was visiting the school as part of the announcement of the Government’s £200 million SEND training programme to upskill all staff in every school, college and nursery – ensuring a skilled workforce for generations to come.
And on Friday, it was really good to catch up with Headteacher, Symon and Mike, the Chair of Trustees at The Avenue School. We chatted about the fantastic work that they are doing and it was great to get their perspective on how the government can support them. Thank you for having me!
PICS
I want to hear your views on screen time for under-5s
Screens are everywhere, but new government research shows that too much screen time could be interfering with child development in those crucial early years. That’s why we’re developing the first ever practical guidance on screen time for under-5s, and I want families in Reading West and Mid Berkshire to help shape it.
The real experts are parents who have to make decisions about screens every day, so I want to hear from you – What helped your family? Have you found a balance or are you still trying to find one – please share your thoughts under my post on Facebook.
Small Business Spotlight
It was great to pop into Vesuvio Pizzeria in Tilehurst on Friday for lunch. They have a a great menu and it’s a fantastic place to take the family. Do try them out!
NHS waiting lists are down
Waiting lists keep falling!
Data this week shows that not only did waiting lists fall by over 86,000 in the month of November – but that we saw the second biggest drop in 15 years.
That means waiting lists are down by more than 312,000 since the General Election – thanks to our commitment to rebuilding our NHS.
Launch of National Year of Reading
Earlier this week, I talked to Times Radio yesterday about the launch of the National Year of Reading
It’s such a shame that only 1 in 3 young people are currently enjoying reading, so we’re supporting parents and teachers to inspire that love of reading once again:
- Libraries for every primary school
- Opening up access to a wider range of books in schools.
- Support for teachers to teach reading
- New Year 8 reading test to identify students who need more support
The largest uplift to workers’ rights in a generation
From April, families in Reading West and Mid Berkshire will see the benefit of the largest uplift to workers’ rights in a generation with day one access to paternity leave, paternity leave for bereaved partners and stronger sick pay. This is the difference a Labour Government makes.
GWR Customer and Community Fund
Calling all schools and community groups in Reading West and Mid Berkshire!
The GWR Customer and Community Fund is open for submissions for small and medium rail-related projects to be completed during the 2026/27 financial year (or the 2026/27 academic year for in-school projects). The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Monday 2 February.
You can find out more details and now to apply here.
Antisocial behaviour survey
I am continuing to work with the police and local councils to tackle antisocial behaviour in our communities. Please share any concerns that you have through my survey here.
Please also remember to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to Thames Valley Police as this helps them target their resources effectively.
Date for your diary
Meet Your MP, Aldermaston, 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Sunday 25 January If you live in Aldermaston or nearby and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, you can register here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/aldermaston-meet-your-mp/
My team will confirm the venue to those registered in advance of the event.
Best wishes
Olivia