More money for additional school places in Bath

The Coalition Government has announced that Bath and North East Somerset will get an additional £553,903 this year to relieve the pressure on school places.

This is part of an additional £600m of capital spending in England this year, which is for investment in, for example, extra classrooms. This comes on top of the £800m to address the shortage in pupil places already announced for 2012-13.

Commenting, Don Foster MP said:

“This extra money is great news for children in Bath and the surrounding area. Many more of them will now be able to get into their school of first choice.

“Pressure on our schools has been allowed to continue for too long and each year I am contacted by a number of parents with concerns over school places. As a Liberal Democrat, I am glad the Coalition Government is doing the right thing by putting more money in our schools.

“I know this will be a real help and I will work hard to ensure this money delivers the results needed.”

B&NES Council Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, Cllr Nathan Hartley welcomed the news:

“This is great news for families in Bath and North East Somerset as extra money for classrooms will mean more of our children can get the school place they deserve. The funding will help our Liberal Democrat led Council ensure every child has a fair start in life, regardless of their background or where they live.”

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Minister for Children, Sarah Teather said:

“In too many areas, Labour left classrooms bursting at the seams with an unacceptable number of children locked out of their local school.

“There is a pressing need for additional school places and the Coalition Government is doing the right thing by making an extra £600m available this year.