Lynne Featherstone MP has welcomed news that Haringey will receive £202,000 extra for the Borough’s secondary schools.

The money is specifically targeted to help Year 7 pupils who didn’t reach the expected level in literacy and maths when they finished primary school, so they can catch up with their classmates who did.

Schools will receive the equivalent of £500 per pupil, and will have freedom to decide how best to use the catch-up premium. Examples could include:

• Small-group tuition supported by new classroom materials and resources, which could take place at lunchtimes or after school;
• Holiday support to deliver intensive catch-up over a short period.
• Additional services and materials to add to those provided by the school, such as tutor services or proven computer-based learning or online support.

This money comes on top of the £8.8million in Pupil Premium and £7.3 million in Fairer Funding received by Haringey Council from the Coalition Government.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green said:

“No pupil should be left behind in our schools, to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to get on in life. To achieve this it is hugely important that every child has a strong grasp of maths and a good reading ability when they start at secondary school.

“Catch-up classes and personal tuition are targeted at those who need a helping hand, so their chances of success are increased rather than letting them fall behind further.

“By putting fairness back at the centre of our schools system, Liberal Democrats are ensuring that everyone can get on in life. It will allow children to flourish and will help us build a stronger economy.”