Despatches from a mother who started late (and is running to catch up)

School rally goes ahead in Edinburgh

Tuesday's rally in Edinburgh against planned education cuts is going ahead. Yes, it's good that Edinburgh Council has agreed to scale back cuts from 2.5% to 1%. But it's not much of a victory. Allowing for inflation, we're facing cuts of 3% in real terms.

The proposed cut means £10,000 less for the average Edinburgh primary school, according to education experts. And the typical secondary school stands to lose four times that sum.

"The cuts come on top of the 1.5% efficiency saving schools have had to make in their budgets for the last two financial years," says one Edinburgh parents' council. "Schools are starting each year with less money."

More, not less

Money is tight. Schools across Scotland have to implement a new curriculum, the Curriculum for Excellence, by August. They need more, not less funding at a time like this.

The battle is far from over. The rally is going ahead because scaled-back cuts are only a partial victory. "The council may have backed down for this coming financial year but they have given no assurances beyond that," said one parent.

"Lack of strategic planning?"

The number of 0-15 year olds in Edinburgh is set to grow by 11% between now and 2023. Parent councils are concerned about what they cite as: "the council's lack of strategic planning when it comes to delivering education to our children."

Our schools cannot face this extra pressure. Our children deserve better. Let's use Tuesday afternoon to prove that. Bring banners, colourful clothes and musical instruments.

City leaders vow no more schools will be axed - Edinburgh Evening News

Schools take biggest hit - Scotland on Sunday