February 15, 2017

Join Cllr John Berry in campaigning for fair funding for our local schools.

For years I have been involved in the Campaign for Fair Funding for our rural schools. In 2016/17 School Funding from the DofE was £290 per child less than average for England.

The Leader of Devon County Council John Hart has made numerous trips to Westminster lobbying for or a fairer system, last year securing an increase of £190 per child as a one off.

Sadly, new proposals represent a step backwards. Whilst In 2017/18 funding per pupil will increase slightly Devon Schools would still be £268 below the England average, representing in a 24 million shortfall, compounded by schools facing substantially increased costs in coming years, increased NHIC and Apprenticeship Levy contributions.

These proposals for the National Funding Formula would result in 129 (37%) Devon schools and 6/10 children losing funds, with 212 (62%) Devon school gaining, and 2(1%) no change.

Most of the schools in Cullompton Rural, including Cullompton Community College, St Andrews Primary, Willowbank, The Duchy School, as well as Uffculme High School will lose out substantially if these proposals are implemented. I am very disappointed, and believe this is a serious mistake, which must be challenged. No Devon school should lose funding!

Please help by responding to the National Funding Consultation before 22nd March, 2017, and write to your MP. To make your views known in writing or online:

https://consult.education.gov.uk/funding-policy-unit/schools-national-funding-formula2/

Or write to: Rt Hon. Mick Gibb MP, Department for Education, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT and write to your MP

It has been reported that Devon County Council have reduced their schools budget. The real problem is Devon does not receive enough funding from the DofE for education.

In reality DCC have not reduced their overall schools budget but in addition to the National Funding Formula, Devon does not have sufficient funds, due to a large increase the number of children with High Needs coming through. Therefore it has been necessary to re-allocate £33 from main stream budget to honour a Statutory obligation to fund the most vulnerable.

I am very unhappy with this, but it has been necessary in order to balance the Devon Education budget. Despite historic low funding Devon’s schools have done a fantastic job in achieving high outcomes and good results. Imagine what could be achieved with adequate funding?

I have great sympathy with the schools and pupils who will be affected and it would be really appreciated if as many people as possible would join me in responding to this Consultation.

Please join me in the campaign for Fair Funding for our Schools!

Kind regards

John Berry – Devon County Councillor for Cullompton Rural including Bradninch, Butterleigh, Blackborough, Cullompton and Kentisbeare.Silverton Phone 01884 32320 Email: john.berry@devon.gov.uk

Higher Coombelands Knowle, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1PT