Concerned school chiefs and politicians in Cheshire East have met with Government ministers to voice fears over the National Funding Formula.
They travelled to meet Schools Minister Nick Gibb after it emerged Cheshire East schools would face “difficulties” under the new formula.
Fiona Bruce MP highlighted these difficulties in a speech at Parliament in December.
And the latest delegation highlighted key points such as inequality of proposed funding, damaging effect on curriculum provision, attendant drop in teaching standards, reduced extra-curricular opportunities for children, and economic reality of unsustainable financial viability of schools in Cheshire East.
Cheshire East Leader Cllr Rachel Bailey said: “I acknowledge the work and support of our local MPs and schools.
“Cheshire East Council is committed to continue to work with schools to develop options to present to the minister as part of the consultation.
“This is to ensure we protect the outstanding education and skills offer across Cheshire East.
“Our children and young people have a right to at least the same minimum national curriculum offer and opportunities which other similar schools and authorities will have.
“We are extremely proud of all our schools and we wish to do all we can to help them to continue to deliver the very high standard of education that has rewarded many of our schools with good or outstanding Ofsted ratings.”
Mr Gibb has indicated he would explore the current funding situation as part of the ongoing consultation process, which will continue until March.
The Cheshire East delegation included Fiona Bruce MP; David Rutley MP; Antionette Sandbach MP; Cllr Rachel Bailey, Leader Cheshire East Council; Jacky Forster Director of Education CEC; John Leigh, headteacher Sandbach High School; David Hermitt, headteacher Congleton High School; Sara Burns, headteacher Sandbach School; Richard Middlebrook, headteacher Alsager School and Ed O’Neill, headteacher Eaton Bank Academy.
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