By 2019 Every Child in Our School Will Receive £473 Less

The National Audit Office is warning of a national funding crisis for our schools. As costs for services, staffing, and resources rise, the new Fair Funding Formula for Schools may seem a wonderful idea but has forgotten to include inflation into their costings. This means that in our school, by 2019 the budget in real terms will be reduced by £86,146 which is equivalent to the cost of at least two teachers.

Headteachers are asking parents to support their school in a campaign to raise awareness of this crisis. It is in no way a political campaign against one party or another but to alert those in power to think of the consequences of underfunding schools. Some schools are preparing for a 4 day a week, others close are to close at lunchtime on a Friday and it will definitely mean classes of 35 plus for us. We do not want this for our children and, I am sure, in reality, neither does the Government.

We have a Governor's meeting later in March so will come back to you with a plan for sensible action. This will not impact on our school in 2017-18-the budget is set and,  once again, we are ready to provide the very best education possible in 2017-18.

BUT LIFE AT SEABURN DENE IS STILL EXCITING. THIS WEEK IS SCIENCE WEEK!

As science is one of the subjects we are working hard to make outstanding in our school, we are launching into science week with gusto! There are furry creatures coming into school, helicopter and rocket making sessions, trips to the Great North Museum and a lunchtime club for every year group. We will catching rainbows, creating an Alka-Seltzer rocket, making bouncy balls and becoming CSI investigators.

Today in assembly we will be learning all about the scientist Elsie Widdowson who pioneered the study of nutrition to make sure that during World War 2 the country had balanced meals during rationing.