Several schools in Cheshire East will go into the red next year unless the government increases their funding, headteachers have told councillors.
For many years Cheshire East has received less funding for its schools than other councils because it is seen as an affluent area.
Dear Editor,
As we approach the budget setting council meeting at Cheshire East I have to ask:
Is anyone else questioning the allocation of the dedicated schools grant, due to be ratified at next week’s CE’s Children & Families Committee?
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council has applied for funding to set up two new free schools for children with special educational needs.
If the bid is successful, it could create an extra 120 places for pupils in the borough with special educational needs (SEN)
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East is employing experts to review its schools catering service after it made a loss of more than £95,000 in 2021-22.
The service currently provides meals for 92 schools across the borough – this includes 86 primary, four special schools, one secondary and a pupil referral unit.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Covid cases in Cheshire East schools have dropped rapidly but one councillor fears the pandemic has sparked a “ticking time bomb” in our children’s mental health.
The number of reported Covid-19 cases in the borough’s schools dropped from around 9,000 in January to 4,000 in March and was down to 97 in April.
Cheshire East Council says 93% of parents have received their first choice of secondary school.
The authority has contacted thousands of parents and carers on national secondary school offer day with the majority receiving the preferred school for their child.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East is to consider whether it should adopt new legal powers to fine drivers for leaving their engines running while vehicles are parked.
The council’s highways and transport committee narrowly voted in favour of asking for a feasibility study to be undertaken into engine idling and enforcement.
Dear Editor,
In 2019 just 65% of children leaving primary school reached the expected standards in reading, writing and maths.
This is a national scandal.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Covid cases have started to rise again among schoolchildren in Cheshire East but the numbers are significantly lower than a few weeks ago.
And some schools are continuing to urge pupils to wear face coverings in classrooms, corridors and other communal areas.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Just one school in Cheshire East had to close during autumn term because of Covid-19 – and only for the last day.
Mark Bayley, acting director of education, said the autumn term was probably the hardest and most challenging for schools during the whole pandemic.
Science is one of the few subjects in school that provides students with elements of practical learning.
Whether that is through handling experiments, developing an understanding of safety principles or gathering data and results, the importance of this subject should not be lost on pupils.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
A Cheshire East councillor has said it is “completely unfair” year six SATS are going ahead next year and asked whether the council plans to challenge it.
Cllr Laura Smith (Crewe South, Lab) told a meeting of the children and families committee she had an interest because she has a child in year six.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Nearly half the parents approached in Cheshire East have consented to their children receiving the Covid vaccination in schools.
Mark Bayley, head of service for education infrastructure and outcomes at the council, said 46% had so far agreed.
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