Priti Patel, Member of Parliament for Witham, recently visited Kelvedon St Mary’s Primary Academy to meet staff and pupils, and discussed with the headteacher, Mrs Victoria Smith, and the Chair of Governors, Mrs Rogers, the work the school does to raise education standards and support the needs of local pupils.
School funding pressures were also discussed and concerns raised over the levels of funding provided by the Government being lower than the rising costs facing schools. Across the Witham constituency, on average per pupil funding is rising by just 2.2%, which is lower than the rate of inflation and represents a real terms cut, with Kelvedon St Mary’s being one of the worst affected with a cash rise of just 0.29%.
The visit reinforced Priti’s commitment to ensuring all children in her Witham constituency receive the best education, despite the Labour Government cutting and squeezing funding for local schools. Speaking after the visit, Priti said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Kelvedon St Mary’s and see the outstanding work being done to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and it was inspiring to meet the staff who work tirelessly to provide tailored care and education for their pupils.
“I have always supported standing by our local schools, especially the support needed for SEND children. I will continue working to ensure that local schools and parents are heard and that children receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
“Schools are facing significant new pressures as a direct result of this awful Labour Government failing to fund local schools. They have already cut funding for schools, are refusing to increase funds to match rising costs and have cancelled funding for a new school being built in Witham.”
The visit forms part of Priti Patel’s ongoing engagement with schools across the Witham constituency, championing all forms of education and working with teachers, parents, and Trusts to strengthen opportunities for all children in Essex.
