Former Secretary of State gives support to MMU students

Estelle Morris, the Rt Hon Baroness of Yardley and former Secretary of State for Education & Skills, has made a special visit to MMU's Institute of Education at Crewe.

In her role as Secretary of State for Education & Skills, Estelle was a driving force behind the government's pledge to train school bursars as School Business Managers. MMU has been at the centre of developing a ground-breaking BA (Hons) School Business Management to help raise the standard of school administration.

Estelle, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by MMU in July for her outstanding contribution to education in the UK, presented a keynote speech to students as part of an inspirational development day organised by the University.

Trailblazing students

Estelle said: "Having worked as a teacher and a Member of Parliament, I was aware of both the increasing pressures being placed on teachers and how the administrative support I received as an MP enabled me to reach my peak. Schools need a similar support system in place if teachers are to do their jobs to the best of their ability."

She continued: "School Business Managers are vitally important to this framework of support and without them schools wouldn't be running as well as they are. It's been fantastic to meet the degree students at MMU, they're trailblazers for the profession and their commitment deserves to be recognised."

MMU plays a key role

Ray Moorcroft, Director, Centre for Quality, Innovation & Support at MMU Cheshire, said: "Estelle has shown a deep commitment to teachers, parents and children throughout her career and we're delighted she was able to join us. The BA (Hons) School Business Management course is already having a significant impact on the organisation and management of schools and MMU has played a key role in its development. We believe the Masters course, which we will be running from January 2008, will be just as successful and continue to enhance the standard in schools."

MMU launched the degree course in May 2006 and currently has over 100 students from five separate intakes. It has already impacted internationally in South Africa and the USA and the Masters will enable students to study in Florida. The development day was also be attended by Dennis Dunn (Dean of MMU Cheshire), Andy Jones (Acting Dean of the Institute of Education) and other invited guests.

For further information go to www.ioe.mmu.ac.uk.