HEREFORDSHIRE MPs UNITE ON EDUCATION

12.00.00am GMT Wed 27th Jan 2010

The MPs for Herefordshire put their political difference aside this week when they met Minister for Schools, Vernon Coaker, to discuss Herefordshire schools' funding. The meeting, arranged by Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford, was also attended by Bill Wiggin, MP for Leominster, Dr Sharon Menghini, Director of Children's Services at Herefordshire County Council; Head Teachers Chris Barker and Peter Box, Governors Denise Kennedy and John Spackman representing High and Primary schools across the county.

The Minister was receptive to the issues brought before him which were given from a variety of perspectives by the attendees.

"The main message was clear," Paul Keetch said. "Our pupils need the standard of education they deserve; that's been at an incredibly high level in the past with the quality of staff and facilities we have striven to obtain for our County schools.

"This is under threat owing to funding measures so I was pleased the Minister showed genuine interest in the issues raised, which he assured us would be considered more fully as the Dedicated Schools Grant review progresses."