Theresa May's local schools write to parents begging for donations because they can't afford to buy stationery

The Prime Minister has been accused of failing to live up to her promises on school funding
PA Wire/PA Images
Martin Coulter16 November 2017
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Two primary schools in Theresa May's local constituency have written to parents asking for "voluntary contributions" to pay for basic stationery equipment.

The Robert Piggot infant and junior schools, both based in Wargrave, Berkshire, part of Mrs May's Maidenhead constituency, want to raise £190 to pay for "glue, pens, pencils, exercise books, paper, tape and paint".

The schools suggested parents donate "£1 per school per day for each child". They also said the cash raised would also help pay for science equipment and musical instruments.

One of the Prime Minister's key commitments when campaigning for her Maidenhead seat was providing more money for schools, recently claiming the education system was seeing "record levels of funding".

Angela Rayner, Shadow Education Secretary, has criticised the Prime Minister
PA

But after the school's letter was revealed, Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner told The Mirror: "The Government can spin all they like but the reality is that Tory cuts are hitting schools badly - even in the Prime Minister's own constituency.

"She was elected to represent Maidenhead on a manifesto that guaranteed to protect school funding but she can't even keep promises to her own voters, let alone the rest of the country."

The Lib Dem education spokeswoman Layla Moran said: "The harsh impact of school cuts are now being felt in the Prime Minister's own backyard.

"It beggars belief that in 21st century Britain, cash-strapped schools are having to ask parents to pay for basic equipment. It is undermining the state-funded schools system."

Sally Ann Aker, leader of the school's Conservative-led Wokingham borough council, said: "Like many schools, we are experiencing rising costs in the face of reduced funding."

School Standards Minister Nick Gibb told The Mirror: "The introduction of the National Funding Formula from 2018/19, backed by £1.3 billion of additional investment, will put an end to historical disparities.

"The Robert Piggott schools are set to gain around £10,000 a year in total."

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