Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

Parent fury as 2nd school in PM’S back yard begs for basics

- BY ANDREW GREGORY Political Editor andrew.gregory@mirror.co.uk

ANOTHER school hit by Tory cuts in Theresa May’s constituen­cy is begging parents for cash.

One parent said she was “fuming” after her children’s primary school asked for £90 a year, per pupil, to pay for basic stationery and books.

We told yesterday how Robert Piggott infant and junior schools in Wargrave, Berks, asked for £190, due to “national school funding changes”.

But the PM, who has pledged to ensure every child has the support they need, faced more embarrassm­ent as it was revealed Polehampto­n infants, in nearby Twyford, has asked for £90 a year due to “growing pressures on our school budget”.

The letter from head Helen Ball says it is to pay for books, paper and pencils. One parent, who asked not to be named, said it was “disgusting”.

She said: “It is termed a voluntary contributi­on of varying amount, but the pressure is on to donate the full £90 per year per child.

“And you have to declare your name with the donation so they know who has and who hasn’t paid. I’m a single parent so it’s a big cost.”

She added: “We are also asked to pay for school trips on a donation basis, but the staff will often ask if you’ve paid yet, which can be humiliatin­g. I think it’s disgusting.” The school declined to comment. An election leaflet from Mrs May in her Maidenhead seat in June included a promise to ensure “every child has the support they need”.

Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Not only is the PM shredding the Tories’ election manifesto page by page but apparently she’s ripping up her own election leaflets too.”

Mrs May has visited Robert Piggott school on a number of occasions.

But angry Anita Smith wasn’t impressed after being asked for £190.

She said yesterday: “I was fuming. I have two children at the school so that’s around £400 a year, but my salary hasn’t gone up to cover it.”

Minister for School Standards Nick Gibb yesterday insisted more money was on the way. He said: “The introducti­on of the National Funding Formula from 2018, backed by £1.3billion, will end disparitie­s.”

You have to declare your name with the donation so they know who has paid WORRIED SINGLE PARENT YESTERDAY

 ??  ?? VISITS Mrs May at Robert Piggott class
VISITS Mrs May at Robert Piggott class
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