Emergency Schools Cash Long Overdue - Teather

12.28.55pm GMT Tue 1st Dec 2009

MP Sarah Teather believes every child in Brent deserves a place at a local school

Brent's campaigning Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather has welcomed emergency funding to be provided to schools in Brent after she raised the shortage of school places in the borough in parliament and in the media.

Despite a large number of children waiting for a primary school place, and Brent children accounting for more than 10% of the London infants forced to attend "unlawfully large" classes, Labour Ministers have repeatedly refused Brent's applications for a funding boost

Earlier this year, Sarah Teather spoke in parliament on the shortage of primary school places in Brent, and appealed to the government for help. In a letter to Sarah Teather it was today announced that Brent Council has won £14.8million extra schools cash.

The Liberal Democrats propose giving extra cash to schools so that all infant class sizes can be cut to private school levels of just 15.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"This government climb down is a huge victory for parents in Brent. We have long argued that Brent should be eligible for emergency funding, and it's taken years for the Labour government to admit that there is a problem and stump up the cash.

"It's obvious that, with classrooms bursting at the seams, teachers are unable to give children the individual attention that they need. If a child has a bad experience at primary school it can put them off education for life. And, tragically, some children aren't offered a place at all.

"By dragging their feet and hoping the problem would go away, the government have only allowed the situation to get worse. This cash injection in response to a huge amount of local pressure is finally recognition that Labour's do nothing approach hasn't worked.

"The work can now start to make sure there is a place for every child in Brent's schools, and to cut class sizes to more acceptable levels. I was pleased to raise this critical issue in parliament and will continue to fight to make sure that all Brent children are treated fairly."

Related Links:

Sarah Teather's speech to parliament.

Liberal Democrat plan to cut class sizes.