News

With the Labour Party Conference underway just across the border, Poole is determined that its message reaches those who are responsible for the low funding of Poole schools. Many key figures attending the conference are staying at Poole's top hotels and will see the message daily.

Councillor Brian Leverett, Leader of Poole Council, said: "It is imperative that we make the Government understand how crucial fair funding is for pupils in Poole. This is a good opportunity for us to continue our campaign, directly with the people that make the decisions. Poole LEA welcomes and takes on board government initiatives that help deliver the national curriculum to the highest standards. Without proper funding this is just not possible.

Our schools are already under great strain this year, we simply cannot sit back and accept this unfair level of funding. How is it fair that Poole pupils receive £100 less than their counterparts in Bournemouth and a massive £380 less than the average funded LEA?

Staff at our schools and in the LEA work tirelessly to achieve excellent standards of education and should be proud of their achievements. Unless the Government addresses the low funding of our schools there is a real danger that the high standards of education, which the children of Poole have received for many years, could be under threat. "

The mission to improve funding for pupils in Poole has already seen a delegation of Headteachers, Councillors, Officers and MPs from the Borough visit David Miliband MP, Schools Minister, at the DfES Headquarters in Westminster. Across the board the Council has used every opportunity to fight for fairer funding for Poole pupils.

The banners placed at the Poole / Bournemouth boundaries on Branksome Dene Chine, County Gates and Western Road read:

WARNING
You are entering Poole
£100 less per pupil beyond this point
And Bournemouth has had the lowest funding increase in England since '97

You are leaving Poole
£100 more per pupil beyond this point
And Bournemouth has had the lowest in the country since '97