AN organisation representing over 1,150 schools in the North-East has hit out over the lack of funding in yesterday's Budget. 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced swathes of support for businesses in his Budget yesterday, March 3, including for those worst hit by the pandemic.

He also revealed the site of the Treasury's northern headquarters will be in Darlington.

However, Mr Sunak failed to offer respite for schools, which have remained open for vulnerable children and those of key workers through much of the pandemic while having to teach other pupils remotely. 

Schools North East, which represents over 1,150 schools in the region and is
governed by a board of headteachers, said the Chancellor's decision not to allocate funding to schools is "disappointing".

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "It is incredibly disappointing to see no provision for education in the Budget.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated how integral schools are as national strategic infrastructure and how they need to be protected as such. However, prior to the pandemic, there was a crisis in school funding, which disproportionately impacted schools in disadvantaged areas.

"Since then schools have gone above and beyond to support their students and whole school communities, and ensure schools are safe, at huge cost. The majority of schools have been unable to receive support from the government for the costs of implementing extra safety measures, cleaning and supply as a result of staff absence due to Covid-19.

"By incurring these extra costs, many schools are having to reallocate funding which would have gone towards school improvements or the student experience, which will have a further detrimental impact on a cohort of students which have already been significantly affected by the disruption from Covid-19.

"Ahead of the full reopening of schools the government has reiterated their support for schools, however, have failed to use this opportunity to give schools the financial support they need to reopen, and stay open, safely."

Schools are set to reopen doors to all pupils on March 8 in the first phase of easing measures as England unlocks its economy.