Extra Money for Northampton Schools is Welcomed (Andrew Simpson)

Extra Money for Northampton Schools is Welcomed

December 13, 2010 5:27 PM

Andrew reading a story to school children Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North constituency has welcomed today's announcement by the Coalition Government of an extra £430 per child for schools In Northampton for children in receipt of free school meals. The 'Pupil Premium' was a key manifesto pledge by the Liberal Democrats and the total extra money for Northampton is estimated at £1, 762,570.

"This is really welcome news as the Lib Dems are delivering extra money for children who need it most". said Andrew

"Children from more disadvantaged backgrounds will receive extra help when they need it most something I campaigned for in the General Election and am now really pleased to see the Coalition Government deliver".

"In Northampton we have a number of schools that have struggled to achieve the required standards not beacuse they are not making the effort but beacuse of the profile of the pupils they have. Schools that take more children from disadvantaged backgrounds will now be given more money to help them fulfil their potential".

"Each year between now and 2015 the amount spent in Northampton will rise and by 2015 the Coalition will be spending a total of £2.5bn nationally on the pupil premium".

"This is money on top of what is already being allocated for schoolchildren - no school will lose money as result of the Pupil Premium. And it will be given to Head Teachers to spend at their discretion on what they think works best for their school - be it extra one to one classes, breakfast clubs or after-school clubs".

"The Pupil Premium was one of four key front page manifesto commitments on which we fought the last General Election. Making it a reality will help improve the social mobility and life chances of hundreds of thousands of children from less privileged backgrounds over the coming years".

"That is the real difference the Liberal Democrats are making in government".