STEPHEN Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the news that more children are being taught in good or outstanding schools.

New figures from Ofsted show that 60 more schools in Essex have been judged good or outstanding in their most recent inspection compared to 2015.

In the whole of the East of England, 210 more schools have been rated as good or outstanding.

Across the country the proportion of all schools judged to be good or outstanding at their most recent inspection was 89 per cent – the highest proportion ever recorded – with both the proportion of primary and secondary schools judged at these ratings continuing to rise in every region of the country. As a result almost 1.8 million more children are now in good schools compared to 2010.

Mr Metcalfe said: “Theresa May’s Government wants to build a country that works for everyone – and that means providing a good school place for every child, one that caters to their individual talents, abilities and needs.

“That’s why it’s great news that the latest figures show that 471 schools in Essex are now rated good or outstanding.

“We are making sure every child can access high quality education, so that they have the opportunity to go as far as their talents will take them, regardless of their background.”

He added: “Locally, boosting education is one of the single most important things we can do to give young people the start in life they deserve.

“The Conservative Government needs to continue ensuring that children are able to write their own life story by supporting schools and building on the fantastic figures announced recently.”