School funding is 'inadequate' (From Barry And District News)

School funding is 'inadequate'

A VALE OF GLAMORGAN headteacher has backed the local authority's criticism of the Welsh Government over its "inadequate" education funding for the area.

Brian Lightman, principal of St Cyres School, Penarth, echoed council leader Jeffrey James, laying the blame firmly at the Assembly's door for a budget that comes well under the Welsh average.

Recently published figures revealed that 44 percent of the Vale's total expenditure goes on education and schools.

That is the second highest percentage among all Welsh authorities.

But in cash terms, the total average per pupil spent for the Vale is the lowest at £3,185.

The national average per pupil spend for Wales is £3,499 so Vale schoolchildren are disadvantaged by £309 each.

Mr Lightman, who is also president of the Secondary Heads Association in Wales, said: "It must be of great concern to the Assembly, and the Education Minister in particular, that funding per pupil in the Vale is so low."

Overall, the Vale's average expenditure on education and schools is nearly £7 million below other Welsh local authorities, a factor Cllr James blames on the Assembly's "unfair methodology" in providing revenue support grant.

The 11.6 percent increase in the Vale schools budget for 2003/04 was the fourth highest in Wales and significantly above the Wales average of 10 percent.

Cllr James said: "In relation to the Vale budgets, 84.6 percent is delegated to the individual schools, which is the highest level of delegation in Wales.

"Although these figures appear impressive, it's very frustrating that the council's efforts are not reflected in terms of funding per pupil."

Mr Lightman added: "There can be no doubting the council's commitment to schools and education in the Vale, and the shortfall in funding is surely attributable to the Assembly revenue support grant mechanisms."

A spokeswoman for the National Assembly said this was a very complex issue.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Minister, Jane Davidson, she said: "We cannot just compare overall spend per pupil figures; schools in every authority have differing needs and authorities will fund education according to local needs and circumstances."