The leader of the Liberal Democrats has announced that the Party would provide extra funding for poorer pupils, in news which may be of interest to primary teachers.
Nick Clegg said a Liberal Democrat government would introduce a £2.5 billion pupil premium for those already on the free school meals scheme in England, which could help boost the academic achievements of pupils.
Addressing representatives of children's charity Barnardo's, Mr Clegg said: "A bright child from a poor background falls behind a child from a richer background by the age of seven.
"The poorest children are only half as likely to leave schools with five good GCSEs than their better-off counterparts."
The funding injection would equate to an extra £2,500 being spent on each pupil currently entitled to free school meals over the course of their primary school career.
Mr Clegg succeeded Menzies Campbell as leader of the Liberal Democrats in 2007.
Posted Theo Foulds
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