Responding to the Autumn Budget, the CEO of the Fair Education Alliance Sam Butters said:
Whilst the Fair Education Alliance welcomes the focus on maths education in the budget today, our members have recommended that increased investment focused on early years numeracy is essential. Whilst investment at GCSE and A Level is important, without strong early numeracy skills children will often struggle to develop when they start school which can have an impact on their future attainment and choices.
We also welcome the additional funding for schools in the form of The Teacher Development Premium. Professional development is critical in supporting teachers to help every child to reach their potential, irrespective of their background. The Alliance recommends that this be targeted at schools serving the lowest income communities.