Merton’s children have been left stranded after a government cut to the funding of reception school places.
Merton’s children have been left stranded after a government cut to the funding of reception school places.
The council is demanding a fairer deal to support the borough’s growing population of under-fives.
Merton has not benefited from the government-designed funding formula, despite being one of the worst affected authorities in the capital.
Councillor Debbie Shears, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Once again Merton has been short changed and we are very disappointed at the government’s decision.”
Boroughs across London have seen a rise in the number of requested reception school places, with other nearby boroughs proving successful in similar bids.
However, the rejection of the bid means Merton will not be able to expand the nine schools it planned to in order to meet with demand.
Merton council would have to borrow £13m to fund the places, adding £16 to each council tax bill.
“The council’s case is accepted by government, as they previously gave us permission to borrow money to fund some of the places we needed,” Councillor Shears added.
Councillor Shears believes the council is being penalised for having unfilled places at the end of key stage 2, but says it is unfair.
“The government has now rejected our bid for grant funding,” she said. “Yet we clearly cannot mix 5-year-olds and 11-year-olds.”
Six schools in Merton have expanded their reception school admissions over the past two years.
However, internal funding for additional places would cost Merton’s taxpayers £1.2m.
