5 September 2025
Whenever I speak to people who grew up in Barnsley in the 1960s, the film Kes often comes up.
That doesn’t surprise me. Kes isn’t just a (brilliant) film – it’s a snapshot of a Barnsley that many remember vividly.
They talk about the young lads who remind them of Billy, and about their relationships with siblings and teachers. But one character rarely gets mentioned: Mrs Casper.
That doesn’t surprise me either. Because for all the film’s realism, Billy’s mum doesn’t act like a typical Barnsley mum.
“He’s a hopeless case.”
That’s how she describes Billy. She offers him no support, no encouragement, no hope.
That’s not representative of Barnsley’s mums and dads. Not back then – and certainly not now.
I know that most parents and guardians in Barnsley don’t give up on their kids. They fight for them. They love them fiercely and often go without so their children don’t have to.
It’s fair to say that working families didn’t get enough support from the Conservative government over the last fourteen years. That’s why I’m proud to be part of a Labour Government that’s backing families in Barnsley and beyond.
We’re delivering 30 hours of government-funded childcare per week for eligible families with children aged 9 months to 4 years. On average, this will save parents £7,500 a year per child – real money back in their pockets.
Make sure to go to www.beststartinlife.gov.uk to apply!
We’ve extended free school meal eligibility to every child whose parents receive Universal Credit. This benefits over half a million children, saves parents up to £500 a year, and will lift 100,000 kids out of poverty.
We’ve created 6,000 extra nursery places this year by rolling out 300 new school-based nurseries – including one in Shafton – offering funded childcare and more flexibility.
We’re limiting the number of branded uniform items schools can require, saving some families £50 on the back-to-school shop.
We’ve pledged to create 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs by 2028, offering free support to parents on issues like breastfeeding, housing, and early childhood.
We’re rolling out free breakfast clubs to all primary schools in England, saving parents up to £450 a year. 750 early starter clubs are up and running already, and our borough has three – they’re in Brierley, Kingstone, and Royston!
We’re also developing a child poverty strategy to increase household income, reduce essential costs, and tackle the challenges families face.
Here in Barnsley, the Labour Council is delivering for children and families too.
Before term started, they provided uniform vouchers worth £50 for primary and £100 for secondary school kids. They’re providing all Y11 students with free GCSE support packs. And they’re also offering under-18s free bus travel – easing financial pressure on parents and ensuring that Barnsley’s kids have full access to opportunities across our borough.
Why?
Because Mrs Casper was wrong.
No child is a hopeless case.
Every child has potential. And Labour – nationally and locally – is determined to help them reach it.