Parents urged to have their say on education funding in Somerset

Paul JonesOctober 11, 20230 Comment0

PARENTS and the public in Somerset are being urged to have their say on education funding in the county.

Somerset Council has launched a consultation calling for the public’s views on some of the ways schools and education are funded.

Across the county, £568m is spent on education each year and supports 70,000 children and young people.

The consultation focuses on three areas:
* Funding for early years settings, which includes day nurseries, pre-schools and nursery schools.
* Early help services that help children and families when they have problems, aiming to prevent the situation from getting worse.
* Funding that helps children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from their early years to age 25.

An online questionnaire, which is available in printed format, puts forward a number of ideas on how services can be improved.

Now, the council is asking everyone to share their opinions on the options.

If any proposals to change SEND funding are accepted, there will be a further consultation and piloting before anything changes for all schools and pupils.

Councillor Tessa Munt, executive lead member for children, families and education, said: “At Somerset Council, we pride ourselves in being transparent about our finances and services, and our education funding is no exception.

“We need constantly to review the ways in which education is delivered to ensure taxpayers get value for money.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to have your say on education funding in Somerset and I encourage all those who have children in education, care for SEND children, work in the education sector, or simply feel passionately about education take part.”

The consultation runs until November 10 and the results will be published once they have been analysed.

For more information – and to take part in the education funding consultation for Somerset – visit https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/childrens-services/education-funding.

A paper copy of the consultation can be viewed, or printed on request, at Bridgwater, Taunton, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil Libraries.