School in cash plea to parents

Saddleworth School has asked parents to help plug a hole in its finances

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

SADDLEWORTH School has dispatched a controversial letter to parents asking them to help plug a hole in the school’s finances.

Chairman of governors Councillor Brian Lord said the school has been forced to act due to rising National Insurance and other costs.

He said government funding covers only building costs for the proposed replacement school in Diggle - and that he was worried about funding from Oldham Council for fittings and equipment.

The size of that provision is vital, since Saddleworth receives the smallest amount per pupil of any Oldham secondary school - the council’s “Fair Funding” gives more money to schools whose pupils meet certain criteria, such as pupils whose first language isn’t English, or who claim free school meals.

But in a shock move to boost finances, the parents’ letter from Councillor Lord is accompanied by a form asking for a one-off donation or a monthly standing order.

“While the Government provides with sufficient for the basic curriculum, it doesn’t match our ambitions and we want to go further,” writes Councillor Lord. “As the cuts in public services bite deeper, our capacity to provide the very best for our students becomes more challenging.

“The effect of the cuts has been to limit our capacity to provide the curriculum and enrichment opportunities which brings learning to life. We are unable to replace some of the equipment, furniture and IT we use, some of which is now beyond its shelf life and needs replacing.

“When we move to a new building we will need to take most of these items with us - the funding covers the building and grounds only.”

Councillor Lord said the school was running in deficit for the first time, but stressed that people had to choose to make a donation, rather than opt out as at other schools.

“If people feel they can do it, fine, but we are not forcing anyone to do it. I know there will be people who would be glad to,” added Councillor Lord.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Discussions with Saddleworth School about potential funding sources for their new school equipment and furniture are ongoing. We remain firmly committed to doing our level best to help the school.”