THE Shadow Education Minister has praised the dedication and resilience of Redditch headteachers, staff and parents in the face of the low level of funding Worcestershire receives.

Maria Millar MP made her comments following her visit to Arrow Vale High School in Matchborough and Ipsley Middle School in Ipsley last Wednesday.

She was invited by Redditch's Tory parliamentary spokeswoman, Karen Lumley, who has been a strong advocate of fairer funding.

She also met Helen Donovan, a key campaigner on the issue.

Mrs Millar said: "I was overwhelmed by how brilliantly these schools coped with the unfair funding they receive compared to neighbouring counties.

"The dedication and resilience of the staff and the parents was outstanding."

Mrs Lumey said: "I thought this was an excellent visit. I don't think Maria really realised just how little schools in Worcestershire actually receive until she came here.

"She was told by Arrow Vale headteacher Peter Woodman that if his school was further up the road. it would be in a county where it would receive £1 million more a year. That's how ridiculous and unfair the situation is.

"After her visit, Maria will take this information back to our policy team and we will draw up some plans for the future to help our schools and our children receive fairer funding."

During her visit, Mrs Miller also visited All Womens House and Sandycroft in Smallwood and said she was delighted with the work being carried out.

She said: "This is a first class set-up for women, particulalrly those from ethnic minorities.

"But I was concerned that this wonderful operation could soon suffer if cuts are made to the SureStart scheme which operates here."