Every parent wants the best start in life for their child which is why schools are so important.  In North Tyneside 95% of children attend a Good or Outstanding school, a higher proportion than any local authority outside London.  That success is due to the work of students and staff but also support from parents and the local authority.  There’s growing concern however that cuts to school funding will leave schools struggling for resources.  Spending per pupil in North Tyneside is already projected to be £1500 less than the average London borough by 2017-18, showing where Government priorities lie.  But further changes to the National Fair Funding Formula are set to take a further 2.7% from school budgets, that’s before schools have to pay the cost of pay rises, pensions and NIC changes.  For schools with big sixth forms it’s worse, as they struggle to cope with cuts to Post 16 funding.  The cuts will mean fewer staff, less buildings maintenance or a reduced curriculum or most likely all of them.  North East Schools would need £323 million to match London levels yet the Chancellor set aside £360 million for unnecessary grammar or free schools.  I’ve already raised my concerns with Ministers and will be meeting local Headteachers to see what more can be done.  The Government U turned over changes to National Insurance and they need to do so again before our children’s futures are damaged.