A £5 MILLION cash crisis threatens to tear apart Bury's proud family of schools.

Education bosses say the borough is in dire financial straits, which could mean bigger classes and even fewer teachers.

The warning yesterday (Thurs Sept 11) overshadowed what should have been a great day for local education.

Because Bury schools do so well, the borough has been specially chosen as one of the first in the land to be inspected by the Government.

But senior Labour councillors say their trip could be academic.

And they are taking their plea for cash to next month's party conference in a late bid to open the Exchequer's wallet.

Coun David Ryder, education chairman, spelled out the grim scenario facing Bury, coming on top of hefty and controversial cuts last year.

"If more resources are not forthcoming this year, they will be inspecting the smouldering remains of an education service," he said.

"A £5 million cut would be a total catastrophe, just impossible. Schools wouldn't close, but there will not be enough teachers. The only way to make substantial savings will be to lose staff."

Bury is one of just twelve local education authorities (LEAs) who will be visited next year by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Among them are four non-London metropolitan boroughs comprising one top school - Bury - one average, and two of the worst performers.

The LEAs were chosen because of pupils' results in GCSEs and in Key Stage 2 tests at the end of primary school.

The Ofsted inspectors will make a report on how much support the LEA gives local schools, what plans they have to improve performance and boost standards, and how they solve problems in schools.

Ministers say that Government hit squads may step in if LEAs don't come up to the mark.

Coun Ryder welcomed Ofsted's visit, which he said would discover why Bury was doing so well, but also identify weak points.

But Bury urgently needed cash if the borough's reputation was to be maintained. "If we don't make a fuss now it will be too late," said Coun Ryder. "I want them to know that we are really worried. We don't want platitudes, we need substantial amounts of money."

He added: "I shall be the happiest man in the world if the Government comes up with millions and accuses me of crying wolf.

"But I will be in a panic until they give us the cash we desperately need."

Delegates from Bury South Labour party will tell national leaders the same at next month's party conference.

Coun Steve Perkins has put down a motion demanding that the Government urgently changes the funding formula, especially regarding the amount of money spent per pupil.

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