THE findings of my annual school survey are distressing.

I’ve visited every secondary and almost all our primary schools and the visits are always enjoyable. But sadly, this belies a bleaker picture.

In September, my team asked all headteachers in Stroud constituency to complete a short survey looking at the reality of the funding situation in schools.

We’ve collated the primary school results and all headteachers (representing 60 per cent of Stroud primaries) said funding was inadequate and they are unable to meet the needs of all pupils.

Over 80 per cent have cut books and teaching resources and a third have cut teaching staff.

One headteacher told me; “money is a daily worry.”

Reducing her school’s deficit means cutting basic resources, maintenance, and teaching assistants.

She wrote; “This will lead to low morale, but first and foremost this will impact on the children and their education – something they are entitled to.”

I have no doubt that this spiral also affect children’s mental health.

The Government has announced an apparent increase in funding, but it is not clear how this will be allocated or what this means in real terms.

I will be writing to the Department of Education outlining our survey and calling for clarity and fair funding for all children.

Labour’s Green Industrial Revolution, Forest Green Rovers, Saturday November 2, 10.30am-1.30pm

Join me and Rebecca Long Bailey, Labour’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy secretary to find out about the Green Industrial Revolution to create jobs and tackle the climate emergency. Book here or email louie_herbert@labour.org.uk