If you’ve been watching the BBC’s “School” documentary series filmed here in South Gloucestershire, you will know the impact the funding crisis is having on our schools – and our children. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, you can catch up on iPlayer.

Now 58 local head teachers have taken the unusual step of going public with their concerns. Your Focus Team welcomes their bravery, which shows just how desperate the crisis in local schools has become. Many teachers and parents will have been insulted by the Chancellor’s so-called “little extras” for schools, which will amount to just a few thousand pounds per school at a time when they’re being forced to cut teaching assistants and other essentials.

If the local Tories are serious about improving local education, they too should back our local head teachers and demand a better funding deal from Government.

Don’t forget there is still time to book your place at the school and SEND funding consultation event at Cleve Rugby Club on Monday evening. You can book your place at the event and find out more about the consultation on the South Glos consultation website.