Clegg Pledges Brent Schools Cash

5.46.53pm GMT Mon 8th Mar 2010

Local MP Sarah Teather wants extra money for schools in Brent

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has visit Brent to pledge extra cash for schools, targeted at the poorest children in the borough.

In an election video filmed at St Mary's Church of England Primary School in Willesden, Nick Clegg set out plans to raise the poorest children's school funding to private school levels. This would allow schools to cut class sizes, give one-on-one tuition, or arrange extra catch-up lessons.

Education experts predict that, in total, Brent schools would now get a cash injection of approximately £16million under the Liberal Democrats.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Brent has some of the poorest areas in the whole country. It is devastating that under Labour a child born in Harlesden is predicted to die more than ten years before a child born just down the road in Kensington.

"The best way to turn around a child's life chances is through education. Brent's children and teachers already work really hard and do a fantastic job. Raising the poorest children's school funding to private school levels would give them an extra helping hand.

"I am delighted that Nick Clegg chose to launch these important new plans right here in Brent. There is no doubt that children in Brent would hugely benefit from a massive cash injection into local schools."

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

"After more than a decade of Labour, it is scandalous that the best way to predict how well a child will do in school is to look at their parent's income.

"Our plans would allow schools like St. Mary's to cut class sizes, or arrange for extra one-on-one lessons for those children who are struggling. It was great to meet the children and teachers at St. Mary's and to hear what a huge difference this extra cash could make.

"Labour have failed to turn around the life chances of some of Brent's poorest children. Only the Liberal Democrats are promising to plough real money into Brent's schools so that every child gets a fair start in life."

Related Links:

Nick Clegg on the Channel 4 Political Slot.

Lib Dem Policy: "A Fair Start For Every Child".