REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has met with the Education Secretary to push for more money for schools in Redditch.

After speaking with head teachers and parents, the MP said she was well aware of the pressures on school budgets.

She met with Damian Hinds last week to point that out as well as press for fairer funding - something in the past which has been historically overlooked in the county.

“I’m acutely aware of the pressures on school budgets here in Redditch," said Mrs Maclean.

"I meet regularly with head teachers and parents and understand the concerns on the front line. I recognise the challenges they face, despite a fairer funding formula being introduced.

“I am consistently lobbying the Treasury for a fairer funding settlement for our schools in Redditch and to end historic funding inequality, as well as for a more generous overall settlement, which is why I met with the Education Secretary to make this case.

“I look forward to the Spending Review where we can address these important concerns."

The core funding underpinning the new national funding formula rose from almost £41 billion in 2017-18 to £42.4 billion in 2018-19 and will rise to £43.5 billion in 2019-20.

The fairer funding formula for schools gives an indicative additional £2 million across all Redditch schools.

Mrs Maclean said that despite the budgetary pressures schools are facing, standards are improving.

In 2017, Oftsed’s Annual Report for Education and Skills showed found 88 per cent of primary schools and 96 per cent of secondary schools are now rated as good or outstanding in Worcestershire.

“It’s testament to our hard-working teachers and teaching assistants that school standards here in Redditch are improving,” the MP added.

“These aren’t just dry stats; these stats actually mean something.

"They mean more children are receiving an excellent education which will help them get onto their college or university course, or to start their apprenticeship.”