THE board of governors at Tavistock Primary invited local politicians to the school to discuss the issue of fairer school funding in Devon.

MP for West Devon and Torridge Geoffrey Cox, Devon County Councillor Debo Sellis and Devon County Councillor with responsibility for schools Cllr James McInnes all attended the meeting at the school recently.

The governors called the meeting to highlight the financial pressures the school is facing due to the school funding formula, which is set nationally.

Governors and members of the schools leadership who attended the meeting, raised questions from parents and carers and highlighted the financial shortfall the school is facing.

Everyone at the meeting agreed that the new funding formula did not suit all schools and that particular primaries in Devon — incluing Tavistock Primary — are finding they are no better off or in some cases worse off in real terms.

Mr Cox agreed to take a case study of the school to Westminster and lobby on their behalf for an adjustment to the formula.

Chair of governors Caroline Down said: ‘We were very pleased to welcome our visitors to our school. They all acknowledged and sympathised with the difficulties we are facing but couldn’t offer an overnight solution.

‘However, their genuine concern for the school and their commitment to support us through this felt like a really positive step in the right direction.

‘As a governing board we know we have a responsibility to our pupils, parents and carers and our dedicated staff team to question/challenge the current situation and we will continue to put our case directly to those that can influence change.’