THROUGH you, I am writing to thank all the parents, governors, teachers and school staff in your area who have been involved in the Fair Funding for School campaign over the past few months.
Many people will be aware that Devon County Council is one of the worst funded local education authorities (LEAs) in the country.
Every child in Devon is worth £195 less every year than the national average because of an historical iniquity in the way Government grants are distributed.
Devon Country Council has been fighting to correct this for some time, both on its own and now as an active member of the f40 Fair Funding group, made up of the 40 worst funded LEAs in the country.
This year the magnificent support that parents and members of the wider community gave our heads and teachers resulted in a petition with nearly 60,000 signatures demanding a change being presented to the Primer Minister in Downing Street in July.
The Government is now deciding whether to make any changes in the way education is funded and the county council with our Devon MPs will be keeping up the pressure during this decision-making process.
However, I wish to put on record now my thanks to all our heads, teachers, school staff and governors who devoted a great deal of time to this campaign outside of their normal duties and responsibilities.
I believe that was a measure of how deeply they care about the quality of education we can provide for our children and why our schools continue to do so well in spite of the inequable funding we receive.
Cllr John Hunt
Executive Portfolio Holder for Education (Schools Services)
Devon County Council