Parents are being asked to help fund some school activities in north Essex because of a funding shortfall for schools.

And some schools might be unable to meet the costs of emergency maintenance work because of the problems, according to an Essex education chief.

Schools suffering from a funding shortage have been told by the Government that they can use their capital budgets, the section of money usually set aside for maintenance and building works.

But Iris Pummell, Essex County Council's executive member for education and children's services, believes this will cause long-term problems.

She said: "It is the most stupid thing I have heard. If anything goes wrong in the school maintenance-wise they won't have any money to deal with it.

"If something goes wrong with the building or if there is flooding they could have serious problems. Even if they are covered by insurance that wouldn't be of immediate help. It is very worrying."

Latest figures show that 56 schools in Essex are struggling with their finances.

Alan Whelan, principal at St Benedict's College in Colchester, said his school would spend on essential maintenance adding: "If a school needs new toilets it has to have new toilets. It is not something you can put off until a later year."

But St Benedict's is cutting back on things like books, staff development and funding fun events for the pupils.

He said: "I've already noticed a lowering of morale among staff."

The college, which will be a business and enterprise specialist college as of September, is planning a business week later this term. But, said Mr Whelan, the events usually paid for by the school would have to be part-funded by parents this year.

Published Monday, May 26, 2003

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