Foster urges Bath schools to apply for summer school funding

Don Foster, MP for Bath has called on local schools to apply for the £50m summer schools fund announced by Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg. The deadline for applications from schools is the end of April. It is designed to help up to 100,000 of the most disadvantaged pupils with the transition from primary to secondary school.

Head teachers will be able to design and run summer schools, targeting pupils who will benefit the most. The funding could be used for activities such as:

• Transitional activities to help familiarise pupils with their new environment. Activities could include meeting teachers, having a tour of the school or learning more about their new curriculum.

• Additional intensive support in English and mathematics to enable pupils who need it to make progress in these key areas before they start the secondary curriculum, both as catch up and preparation for the new term.

• Wider enrichment activities such as arts, music and sports activities, trips to theatres and museums, visits to local higher education institutions and employers etc

Commenting, Don said:

“For too long, social background has been a deciding factor in a child’s success in our schools. As a Liberal Democrat, I believe that in a fair society it is a government’s responsibility to close the gulf in achievement between the poorest children and their classmates.

“Evidence shows that disadvantaged children can slip further behind as they move into secondary school. That is why the Coalition Government is doing the right thing by helping heads and governors to build on their own induction arrangements and give these children an extra hand.

“The Liberal Democrats’ commitment to the most disadvantaged children doesn’t stop there. As well as this £50m fund, we are making significant extra funding available through the Pupil Premium.

“This will help schools tackle the inequalities that have been a part of our schools for far too long.

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said:

“As any parent knows, the move from primary to secondary school can sometimes be tough. For those who struggle to make the jump, there can be a dip in performance that can last for years.

“We know that those who struggle most are often among the poorest in society, but we also know that just two weeks’ activities and education can help them at this tricky time in their lives.

“Summer schools will give some of the most disadvantaged pupils the chance to swim rather than sink in those first critical weeks of secondary school.

“We want every child to succeed, regardless of their background, and this is a crucial part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to making this happen.”

Headteachers can apply for the funding at: