Schools in Bradford have bombarded education chiefs with demands to reinstate full funding for section 11 language teachers across the district.

Governing body resolutions from four Bradford schools have been made to the education authority condemning the cuts.

The four schools - Heaton Middle, Scotchman Middle, Miriam Lord First and Green Lane First - all rely heavily on the funding to provide extra teachers to help pupils with English as a second language.

Without the extra support, teachers fear that pupils from Asian backgrounds will be disadvantaged even further in school.

The education authority cut £400,000 from the section 11 budget earlier this year to help cover a £1.2m overspend in special needs. This meant that a further £400,000 in matching funds from the Home Office was also lost, leading to 40 job losses.

Geoffrey Spencer, chairman of governors at Heaton Middle, said: "Two or three years ago Bradford was at the forefront of the campaign to protect section 11 funding.

"We cannot let these cuts go unchallenged. These cuts mean a 10 per cent loss of staff who provide support for children with language needs, support that is essential if bilingual pupils are to have the ability to participate fully in school life."

Margaret Thomas, clerk to the governors at Scotchman Middle, said: "The 40 posts which are being cut will affect dramatically the education of pupils and will adversely affect the current well-publicised aim of the authority to raise achievement levels in literacy."

Sue Arloff, a teachers' representative on Bradford's education committee, has also presented a petition with 450 signatures.

She said: "Teachers feel the cuts have no justification on educational grounds. The effects have already been felt in schools with the abrupt departure of some section 11 teachers."

Tory education spokesman Dale Smith feared the decimation of section 11 would lead to a decline of standards.

But Labour's education chairman Jim Flood said: "We have had to redirect money in special educational needs because that is driven by legislation. Money is staying in schools but in a different form.

"We take note of sentiments expressed. Cuts in any area are difficult. I express hope that this is the last time we should have to make a reduction."

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