I am writing to you regarding the funding crisis in Camden schools.

In England, 74% of schools are facing funding cuts. In Camden, it is 91%.

Camden state schools have seen real-terms cuts of £21.1 million since 2010.
For Camden schools, ongoing cuts mean:

- support staff and teacher shortages
- experienced staff not being replaced
- inadequate provision for children with SEND
- subjects being taught by non-specialists
- reduced curriculum offer and less creative approaches for Camden children
- restructures and redundancies
- ongoing recruitment and retention crisis

Properly funded schools would mean all Camden children can attend settings where their needs and potential can be met.

Despite Camden schools being places that have long been committed to high quality provision and inclusion, ongoing funding cuts mean schools are at breaking point. Restored funding would be an opportunity to equip Camden educators with the resources they need to foster belonging and deliver the best possible education for Camden's children and young people.

At a local level, there have been warnings from headteachers about shrinking budgets and pressures on SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). Now more than ever, Camden schools need adequate funding and highly trained and stable teams to support increased numbers of children with complex needs.

Schools across London are being forced to close because the per pupil funding formula and falling pupil numbers is not sustainable. A fairer funding formula is needed. The overall decline in pupil numbers in Camden (and elsewhere) can be an opportunity to reduce class sizes, bringing us closer to European averages.

We are calling on our local MPs to take urgent action to:
- restore school funding to 2010 levels
- replace the per pupil funding formula

The Autumn budget is an opportunity for the Government to send a clear message to children, families and schools, that the education, wellbeing and futures of young people are a priority.