Context
The MP noted concerns from a constituent teacher about the adequacy of school funding and its impact on children's futures. The teacher described the government's pay offer as insufficient and stated that his school had to make redundancies due to budget cuts.
Question
Liam, a teacher in my constituency, described the Government's pay offer as akin to “a mouldy carrot dangled in front of us to lead us back to the despair of the classroom.” He works in a school that has had to make redundancies due to insufficient budgets. Does the Minister understand the impact that Government cuts to school budgets are having on children's futures? Can he honestly say that he is giving all children equal opportunities?
Answer from Nick Gibb
The hon. Member will have seen that, in recent international surveys, standards are rising in our schools. We increased school funding by £4 billion last year, and this year it has increased by £3.5 billion. Taken over those two years, that is a 15% increase in school funding. Those of us on the Government side of the House want to have a well rewarded, well motivated teaching profession, because that is how we will ensure that standards continue to rise in our schools.
Not addressed: The negative impact of budget cuts on school funding and providing equal opportunities for all children were not directly addressed with specific commitments or actions.
How: International Surveys Showing Rising Standards, Increase In School Funding Over Two Years
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)