WITH reference to the article on the Education page on Friday, July 14, 'Fears Raised After Visit by Inspectors.' I believe that it is important to make certain points clear, regarding some of the issues.

It has been a concern for some time that the funding for Buckinghamshire schools does not match that of other authorities.

Figures collected from the authority by the National Association of Headteachers show that this authority delegates 74.9 per cent of the Educational Standard Spending Assessment to schools, through individual schools budgets and devolved standards fund.

The national average is 80.6 per cent. This authority retains centrally 20.2 per cent of the Local Schools Budget whereas the national average is 16.1 per cent.

The average funding in primary schools is £1,620 per pupil, against a national average of £1,862. For secondary schools, the average funding is £2,203, against a national average of £2,555. This suggests that the difference is rather more than the £118 quoted by Councillor Brand.

The 'tracking report' showing that 'all schools now have an attached adviser' is complete nonsense.

All schools have had attached advisers for many years. But what the advisers have not had was clear direction from senior advisers and officers as to their role.

Having been a member of several different liaison groups over the years, I have noticed the difference in the approach.

It is not clear how improving vehicle access and car parking in two schools contributes towards raising standards!

David McGahey's comment comparing another authority with this one when it comes to the number of schools on special measures - 'We are still in a position of being better than most local education authorities' - does not stand up.

In the Times' Educational Supplement of July 7, it was made clear that Buckinghamshire is considered to be one of the authorities where schools do well, in spite of the poor support they receive.

This was in an article which looked at Ofsted inspections of local authorities. It will be interesting to see what the next report says regarding support and funding.

Readers may be aware that next year there are county council elections. This is the time to make known the dissatisfaction that headteachers, teachers, governors and parents have with the funding and the poor support that our schools receive.

Peter J Soutar

Secretary

Wycombe & District

Local Association

of the National Association

of Headteachers

Ibstone C of E First School