Review launched into support for schools

It comes five years after reforms were introduced and aims to improve the services available to families and to equip staff in schools and colleges to respond effectively to youngsters needs.

The review has been backed by Gavin Williamson, who is targeting £700m for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It follows Chancellor Sajid Javid's spending review, where he announced an extra £2.6 billion for schools next year.

Speaking during a visit to the Rural Enterprise Academy in Staffordshire, Education Secretary Mr Williamson said: "By launching the review we are building on the amazing work the schools are already doing.

"We know that must always look to do more. By putting the extra £700 million into the sector we are making sure schools can deliver the best for our children."

He added: "Staff have told me what a major impact this extra money is going to have. They are pleased to see a levelling on the amount of money that schools are going to have, particularly in low funded areas such as Staffordshire.

"It will make a big impact in terms of what they can deliver for students. We also want to make sure that pupils who are at the greatest educational disadvantage get the best possible support available.

"It is about levelling the playing field and helping those with the greatest needs."

Mr Williamson recently announced that teachers will have a starting salary of £30,000 from 2022-23 in a bid to boost recruitment.

"The impact that teachers have on pupils lives is really incredible.

"The passion that they have for their subjects cascades through, and we want keep the very best teachers as well as attracting high quality recruits to the profession."

South Staffordshire MP Mr Williamson said schools such as the Rural Enterprise Academy would see per pupil funding rise from £3,750 to £5,000 by 2020-21.