Headteachers of maintained nurseries, primary and secondary schools across Bristol West tell me that – despite what the government says – the solution to the school funding crisis cannot come from making further 'efficiencies'. There is simply nothing left to cut. I'm outraged that the government is passing the buck on to schools who have been forced to cut back on staffing and are losing experienced teachers – all of which have a detrimental effect on education standards.
So I was disappointed when I put this to the minister today to continue to hear the empty rhetoric of 'record funding' for schools. The Department of Education has been rebuked before for this misleading claim, which doesn't take into account the significant rising cost pressures on schools – which means a real-terms cut.
Schools in Bristol do an excellent job of educating children. But they are constantly being asked to deliver more and more, with less funding coming in to balance the budgets. That's why I'll keep fighting for a fair funding deal for Bristol's schools. Our children deserve nothing less.