Chelmsford Children would benefit from schools plan

2.08.00pm GMT Sun 8th Feb 2009

Stephen Robinson and Nick Clegg MP visiting Tanglewood nursery school

Extra cash for schools in Chelmsford to boost the education and life chances of thousands of children would be on the cards if the Liberal Democrats get their way. It would mean £47.6 million extra for big improvements to Essex schools and teaching.

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.

Chelmsford Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson commented:

"When Nick Clegg visited the local Tanglewood nursery in October, he made clear his commitment to do more for our schools. These proposals are the reality of that ambition.

"We must ensure ALL young people get the best start in life. The extra cash will make a real difference in our local schools. I am particularly pleased that funding is proposed to cut infant class sizes to private school levels of 15.

"A £2.5 billion Pupil Premium will ensure that extra funding goes to the pupils with the highest needs, whichever school they are in. We must close the gap between the richest and poorest children in our society.

"We must also get central government off the back of schools, teachers and pupils. Whitehall must stop interfering with everything that happens in the classroom."

The proposals will be debated at the party's spring conference in Harrogate in March. They are set out in detail here: http://is.gd/iP5z