A BRADFORD MP visited a school yesterday as part of his campaign to provide more funding for education in the district.

David Ward told how he wants the 'Cradle to College' scheme to ensure "comprehensive education support" for children in Bradford.

Mr Ward, who represents Bradford East for the Liberal Democrats, believes the idea will boost attainment across the district.

And he visited Carlton Bolling College in Undercliffe to meet head teacher Adrian Kneeshaw and speak to pupils. The school received funding from the Coalition Government’s Priority School Building Programme to help build new facilities.

Mr Ward also said that since 2010, Bradford has received more than £60 million in Government funding to help provide extra school places.

He added, however, that the funding was still not enough to provide enough school places across Bradford over the next five years.

Mr Ward said: "I want to see a fairer society where every child in Bradford can get on in life and achieve their dreams no matter their background.

"That’s why along with the Liberal Democrats I’m campaigning to introduce a package of support to children from 'cradle to college', which will provide extra funding and support throughout a child’s education journey, where it really matters.

"This means more free childcare and free school meals to help Bradford parents with the cost of bringing up a child and more funding through the Pupil Premium to ensure that extra funding goes to ensure that those from poor backgrounds in Bradford get extra help.

"I also want to see Bradford getting the capital schools funding in needs to help cope with school places. I want to make sure we can get more support from the Government and make sure that the Council itself is investing its resources in the right place, creating more school places and not wasting money on non-essential projects."

Councillor Ralph Berry, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for children and young people's services, said: "I'd like to ask him why we did not get any money for any of the priority school builds.

"As far as I can see, while Carlton Bolling may have got its building, the ongoing needs of Bradford district are not being met by this government at the moment.

"There has been no mention of the £50m Better Start project, no mention of the devastating cuts to early intervention grants."

Cllr Berry added: "I welcome his support for anything we can get for more resources for our schools, but the money for school improvements that local authorities get has been slashed year-on-year.

"Let's be real about the complete lack of support for the needs of this city. We are getting absolutely hammered. Our needs are not being met by this government."

Mr Ward also had lunch with children at Holybrook Primary School, Greengates.