A UNION is urging political parties to ensure adequate school funding is high on their election agendas.

The Government has proposed controversial plans to overhaul the way schools are funded - meaning many across the country will lose out.

The Echo launched a campaign and petition calling for a U-turn after it was revealed every school in Southend is facing substantial funding cuts because of the proposed National Funding Formula.

Ahead of an early general election in June, Jerry Glazier, general secretary of the Essex division of the National Union of Teachers, has urged politicians to ensure education is properly funded in the years to come.

Speaking after it was revealed a Birmingham special school is to cut its days to make up for the cuts, Mr Glazier said: “I very much hope there won’t be more cuts to school days because they will cut the learning opportunities for children.

“This is trying to deal with the symptoms of the problem and not the causes and that is the underfunding of education for children.

“We are campaigning with all political parties for a National Funding Formula which is an adequate amount of money to ensure it is successful.

“Without that, schools face a bleak future. “

Yesterday, Selly Oak Trust School in Birmingham told parents telling them that the school day will be shortened from September because of the cuts to education funding.

James Courtenay, Southend councillor responsible for education said he didn’t believe that would happen in Southend.

He said: “I don’t think there will be any shortening of days but we are more likely to see a reduced curriculum with not so many subjects on offer like modern languages, geography and art.”

Our petition has nearly 500 signatures. To sign it, visit change.org/p/uk-government-stop-government-plans-to-cut-funding-for-our-schools