PROPOSALS from the Liberal Democrats for big improvements to schools and teaching will see around £11 million of extra cash for schools in Bury to boost the education and life chances of thousands of children say local party members.

The plans were launched by Party Leader Nick Clegg and Shadow Secretary of State for Schools, David Laws MP. They call for raising standards in all local schools; closing the gap between children from rich and poor families and ending the era of Government meddling in education.

Vic D’Albert, Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Bury South said;

“I am delighted to be able to welcome these proposals. They go straight to the heart of what is needed to give our young people the very best start in life.” 

“The extra cash will make a real difference in our local schools and extra funding to cut infant class sizes to private school levels of 15 would be a major step forward.

“We will also introduce a £2.5bn Pupil Premium, to provide targeted funding for those pupils with the highest needs, whichever school they are in. And some of that extra money will pay for after school and Saturday classes, and extended school days.

“It is also important that we get central government off the back of schools, teachers and pupils. The days of ministers in Whitehall stifling schools and interfering with everything that happens in the classroom must end.

“We are fortunate that the family of Schools here in Bury meet a consistently high standard despite persistent underfunding by successive Labour and Tory Governments. However schoolsneed to be freed to teach children rather than spend their time obeying ministerial orders and trying to achieve government targets.

“These schools proposals from the Liberal Democrats will go a long way to ensuring that the many thousands of local children who go to local schools have at least as good a start in life as the small number who are educated privately.”

The proposals will be debated at the party’s spring conference in Harrogate in March.