Lib Dems plan cash boost for Essex schools (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems plan cash boost for Essex schools

February 16, 2010 11:51 PM

Nick Clegg visits a school The Liberal Democrats have announced a major funding commitment to boost education in this area.

Nick Clegg has this week set out the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment for a Pupil Premium that would invest around £ 47 million of extra cash in Essex schools, raising the funding for disadvantaged pupils to private school levels.

The money will be invested through the Pupil Premium pledge, part of a £2.5 billion manifesto spending commitment.

Peter Wilcock PPC for Saffron Walden said:

"It's nothing short of a scandal that children in this area continue to lose out under Labour.

"Some of the schools here receive significantly less money than the national average and something must be done.

"Under our plans, Essex schools would get a further £47 million which they could use to cut class sizes and provide more individual support."

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

"With this unfairness in funding it's no surprise there is such a gap in achievement between children from the poorest backgrounds and those families who are better off.

"Only when we get education funding back on track will be able to give all our children the fair start they deserve."