Bid to block big cuts to schools

EDUCATION Secretary Bridget Phillipson is “fighting tooth and nail” to stop the Treasury slashing school funding, allies claimed last night.

- By Jonathan Walker Whitehall Editor

It follows reports classrooms will be targeted for cuts by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Dance, music and sports schemes could face the axe as part of a £500million saving and schools will be denied funding for teacher pay rises, according to reports.

Instead they will be expected to find the cash by making “efficiencies”.

The Education Secretary is determined to block proposals that universal free school meals for infants could end.

Currently, about 1.8 million children in reception classes and Years 1 and 2 receive school meals for free.