Fair funding fight for Haringey schools

MP Lynne Featherstone has called for residents to respond to an online consultation oon school funding in the hope of resolving a bizarre discrepancy. Lynne Featherstone at Hornsey School for Girls last year. The discrepancy between funding and pay levels in Haringey schools has lead to a sizeable funding gap between funding and salary payment in the borough of Haringey.

Currently, Haringey is categorised as an "outer London" borough for funding purposes, meaning schools receive £1540 less per pupil per year than schools in inner London boroughs (including neighbouring Islington and Hackney). But staff in Haringey schools are paid an inner London salary, meaning a bigger salary bill for Haringey than other outer London schools.

The review, which runs until the 25th May, asks for residents' views on how the current system should change. A previous consultation undertaken in 2010 under the last government offered a "hybrid" option allowing for an increase in funding of £10.8million - or around £400 per pupil. Featherstone feels the current government can do better, and asks for the support of local people in completing the new consultation.

"We need to show a resounding support for a change to the unfair way our schools are funded, and especially that the additional costs of employing teachers and other staff in this part of London should be recognised," says Featherstone. "This is our big chance, please don't let it slip by!"

Tottenham ward's David Lammy MP also urged everyone in the borough to take part in the consultation and get a better deal for Haringey schools. The first review will ask about general funding principles, and a second review in the summer will look at funding formulas in more detail.

Children's spokesperson Cllr Rachel Allison adds, "We need this consultation to be backed by as many people as possible. Please help our schools get a fair funding system that properly covers their costs, by responding to both reviews, to give our children the best possible start in life."

Read more about the consultation and take part here.

Image: lynnefeatherstone